Lemon Tetra is a tropical freshwater fish from South America, with the scientific name Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis.
It belongs to the Characidae family. This fish has been popular in aquariums since 1932. Lemon tetras feed on worms, crustaceans, and plants.
This fish should be kept in groups of at least five and need an aquarium that is at least 24 inches long.
Lemon Tetra Interesting Facts
- Lemon Tetra is a tropical freshwater fish native to South America, popular in aquariums since 1932.
- These fish eat worms, crustaceans, and plants, thriving in groups of at least five.
- They prefer water temperatures between 73.4°F to 82.4°F (23°C to 28°C) with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0.
- Males protect territories while females lay eggs; parents don’t care for offspring after mating.
Lemon Tetra Habitat
Lemon tetra comes from the Tapajós River basin in South America. It lives in freshwater and swims close to the bottom (benthopelagic).
Lemon tetra likes a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0 and can handle water hardness up to 25 dH.
It prefers water temperatures between 73.4°F to 82.4°F (23°C to 28°C) and is a tropical species.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 82.4°F (23°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.5 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Lemon Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Lemon tetra is a small fish compared to some of the freshwater fish species.
Male lemon tetras grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in length, while females reach up to 1.4 inches (3.6 centimeters).
The maximum recorded weight for this fish is 1.36 grams for male fish and 1.19 grams for females.
Lemon Tetra Reproduction
Lemon tetras are egg scatterers. In the morning, male lemon tetras protect their territories while females swim together in a group.
Females visit the males’ areas one by one to lay eggs. During this process, the fish quickly mate near things like underwater plants.
The parents don’t take care of their babies. Lemon tetras have multiple spawning acts per season and release several batches of eggs throughout the spawning season.
It also keeps reproducing once it’s mature.
Lemon Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Hyphessobrycon |
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis |
| Also Known As: | Lemon Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |