A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type coloration featuring a translucent silvery-yellow body, bright red upper eye, and anal fins edged in bold yellow and black.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Albino
A selectively bred albino morph lacking black pigment. They feature a pale, yellowish-pink body with red eyes while retaining the yellow pigments in their fins.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Lemon Tetra
Top Tank Mates
Panda Garra
Garra flavatra
🟢Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPeppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesLemon Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Lemon Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Lemon Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Lemon Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Lemon Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lemon Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat and light plant coverage for partial shade.
Lemon Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Lemon Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Tetra
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Similar Species
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with subdued lighting.
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
A very hardy, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to South America. They are incredibly popular for beginners but have a reputation as fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. A proper school disperses their internal bickering and largely prevents them from harassing other tank mates.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.