Lemon Tetra
Lemon Tetra
Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is perhaps the most underestimated tetra in the hobby — initially appearing pale and unimpressive in a bare shop tank, a properly conditioned fish in a planted aquarium reveals a subtly beautiful fish with warm lemon-yellow body, vivid yellow upper iris, and black-edged yellow fins that glow with surprising intensity. Pulchripinnis means 'beautiful-finned' — a well-conditioned fish fully earns this name.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the Tapajós River drainage in Pará, Brazil. Adaptable to a wide range of water conditions.
Keep in groups of at least 8. The lemon-yellow coloration is most vivid in well-conditioned fish fed a high-quality varied diet — poorly fed or stressed fish appear almost colorless. The transformation of a well-kept school against dark substrate is genuinely striking.
A tetra that rewards good husbandry with unexpectedly vivid color — showing clearly the difference between adequate and excellent care.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Tapajós River drainage, Pará, Brazil |
| Notes | Pulchripinnis = 'beautiful-finned'. Color varies dramatically with conditioning. Well-fed fish in planted tanks are vividly yellow. Tapajós drainage. |
