Lemon Tetra

Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

The Lemon Tetra is a classic South American schooling fish known for its translucent yellow-to-silver body, lemon-yellow and black fin markings, and distinctive red coloration around the upper eye. Their coloration becomes noticeably stronger once settled into a mature aquarium, making a healthy school especially attractive in planted community tanks.

Lemon Tetras are peaceful, hardy, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both newer and experienced aquarists. They are social fish and should be maintained in a proper group, where they become more confident and display stronger coloration and more natural schooling behavior.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful / Active / Schooling
Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 8 or more

Recommended Setup: A planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space is ideal. Darker substrate, driftwood, live plants, and slightly subdued lighting can help emphasize their yellow coloration and red eyes. Keep Lemon Tetras with other peaceful community fish and maintain them in a good-sized school. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes or micro pellets supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

Please Note: Lemon Tetras naturally vary in size, sex, and coloration. Juveniles and recently transported fish may initially appear pale or silvery, with stronger yellow coloration developing as they mature and become comfortable. Male and female fish are selected at random, and a specific sex or ratio cannot be guaranteed. The fish you receive may not look exactly like the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.