Lemon Tetra – Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
The Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is a peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its bright yellow coloration, active swimming, and beginner-friendly care. This classic tetra adds cheerful color and constant movement to planted aquariums and community tanks.
Lemon Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for in a stable aquarium. They do best in groups, where they feel more secure and show natural schooling behavior. Their yellow tones stand out beautifully against live plants, dark substrate, and natural aquarium decor.
Key Features
- Bright yellow freshwater tetra
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Hardy and beginner-friendly with proper care
- Great for planted tanks and aquascapes
- Active swimmer that adds movement to the aquarium
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
- Common Name: Lemon Tetra
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Lemon Tetras?
Lemon Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful, colorful, and easy-care schooling fish. Their soft yellow coloration adds brightness without being overly aggressive or difficult to maintain.
Because they are hardy and adaptable, Lemon Tetras work well for both beginner and experienced hobbyists. A group of 6 or more creates a lively, natural display in freshwater community aquariums.
Ideal Tank Setup
Lemon Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds help them feel secure while enhancing their yellow coloration.
They are peaceful schooling fish, so a group is recommended for best behavior. Keep water clean and stable with regular maintenance and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Lemon Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flake food, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space with plants or decor for cover
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Use peaceful community tankmates
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lemon Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Lemon Tetras are hardy, peaceful, and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginner freshwater aquariums.
How many Lemon Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Lemon Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Lemon Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well with other calm freshwater community species.
How big do Lemon Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Lemon Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Are Lemon Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. Lemon Tetras look great in planted aquariums and enjoy open swimming space with plants or decor for cover.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Lemon Tetras are bright, peaceful schooling fish for beginner aquariums, planted tanks, and freshwater community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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