Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a complete guide to the Lemon Tetra – a popular, vibrant freshwater fish known for its...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a complete guide to the Lemon Tetra – a popular, vibrant freshwater fish known for its peaceful temperament and appealing appearance:
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Common Name: Lemon Tetra
Family: Characidae
Origin: South America, specifically the Tapajós River basin in Brazil
Habitat: Slow-moving blackwater tributaries with dense vegetation and leaf litter
Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.5–5 cm)
Coloration:
Transparent-yellowish body with a subtle lemon hue
Bright yellow anal and dorsal fins
Striking red eyes (a key identifier of healthy fish)
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males: More vivid yellow coloration, slightly more slender
Females: Plumper body, especially when gravid
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Schooling Fish: Yes – thrives in groups of 6 or more
Activity Level: Active mid-water swimmers
Tank Level: Middle layers of the aquarium
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 15–20 gallons (larger for schools) |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
pH Level | 5.5–7.5 |
Hardness | 3–15 dGH |
Filtration | Gentle to moderate |
Decor | Heavily planted with open swimming space |
Lighting | Moderate (brings out best color in natural tones) |
Substrate | Dark substrate enhances coloration |
Type: Omnivore
Preferred Foods:
High-quality flakes or micro pellets
Live or frozen: daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms
Vegetables: Blanched spinach, spirulina-based flakes
Feed 1–2 times per day in small portions they can consume within 2 minutes.
Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
Breeding Conditions:
Soft, acidic water (~pH 6.0)
Temperature around 78°F (26°C)
Use a spawning tank with fine-leafed plants or mesh
Behavior:
Adults will eat their eggs – remove them after spawning
Fry Care:
Feed infusoria or liquid fry food, then transition to baby brine shrimp
Keep in schools (6–10 or more) to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior
Red eyes and rich yellow fins indicate healthy, well-conditioned fish
Provide varied diet to enhance color and vitality
Perform regular water changes to maintain pristine conditions
Lemon Tetras are great in peaceful community tanks with:
Other small tetras (e.g., neon, ember, black neon)
Rasboras
Corydoras catfish
Dwarf gouramis
Small peaceful barbs (like cherry barbs)
Livebearers (e.g., guppies, platies)
Avoid:
Large or aggressive fish
Fin-nippers (e.g., tiger barbs)
Overly boisterous tankmates
Stress from low numbers: Always keep in a group
Poor color: Usually due to stress, poor diet, or inadequate lighting
Diseases: Susceptible to common freshwater ailments like ich and fin rot if water quality is poor
The Lemon Tetra is a hardy, peaceful, and visually appealing species ideal for community aquariums. Their social behavior and bright accents make them a rewarding choice, especially in well-planted tanks with stable conditions.
Would you like a care sheet PDF or help building a compatible tank around Lemon Tetras?
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