Why is my Lemon Tetra looking pale?

Lemon Tetras often lose their colour when stressed. This can be caused by poor water quality, lack of hiding spaces, too few conspecifics (they need a shoal of at least 6), or excessively bright lighting. A dark substrate and planted environment usually restores their vivid yellow hue.

Are Lemon Tetras fin nippers?

Generally, no. They are considered peaceful community fish. However, like many tetras, they can become mildly nippy if they are kept in too small a group, as they lack the social structure needed to keep themselves occupied.

What is the red spot on their eye?

The upper half of a Lemon Tetra's iris is naturally bright red. This is a normal part of their colouration and actually becomes more intense when the fish is in excellent health and optimal breeding condition.

Can I keep Lemon Tetras with a Betta fish?

Yes, with caution. Because Lemon Tetras are fast swimmers and not overly flashy, they usually do not trigger a Betta's aggression. Ensure the tank is spacious enough (at least 60 litres) and heavily planted to break lines of sight.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Lemon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

A hardy, vibrant schooling fish that brings a brilliant splash of yellow to planted community aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 5 cm
60L: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood and some open swimming space

About the Lemon Tetra

The Lemon Tetra is an enduring favourite in the aquarium hobby, treasured for its subtle yet striking colouration and peaceful demeanour. When well-conditioned in a suitably planted setup, their translucent bodies develop a rich, lemon-yellow hue, perfectly contrasted by intensely red eyes. They are highly active mid-water swimmers that bring constant but relaxed movement to a display. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for community setups of almost all sizes.

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Where Lemon Tetra comes from

Native range

South America, Amazon Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil

Habitat

Slow-moving, heavily vegetated tributaries and forest creeks with clear or tannin-stained water.

Primarily endemic to the Tapajós river basin in Brazil.

Similar species

Kitty Tetra
Hyphessobrycon heliacus
Rosy Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
X-Ray Tetra
Pristella maxillaris

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Peaceful bottom dwellers that will completely ignore the mid-water swimming tetras.
Great
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Peaceful dwarf cichlids that share similar water requirements and occupy the lower regions of the aquarium.
Great
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Strict surface dwellers that compliment the mid-water tetras perfectly without any territorial crossover.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Fully grown Angelfish may opportunistically eat small, juvenile Lemon Tetras, though adults are usually safe.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large predatory cichlids will easily view the small Lemon Tetra as a snack.
Not recommended

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