
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A small characin with a translucent pale yellow body and dorsal and anal fins edged in black with a bright lemon-yellow band inside. The red iris is striking. Hardy, peaceful and most colourful in a group.
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis is a small characin from the Tapajos River basin in Brazil. FishBase gives 3.8cm SL, pH 5.5-8.0 and 23-28C. The translucent pale yellow body carries a large red iris, and the dorsal and anal fins are edged in black with a bright lemon-yellow band inside. Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5, 1-12 dGH and a base of at least 80 by 30cm, about 72 litres. It is peaceful, and a mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more brings out the best colour because males form temporary hierarchies and compete for attention. It is an egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care, so a separate tank with mesh over the base is used to stop the adults eating the eggs. Almost all fish in the trade are farmed, and an albino strain is established.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lemon Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Lemon Tetra grows to About 4cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Lemon Tetra is 20〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Tapajos River basin, Brazil)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
About 4cm SL
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 80 by 30cm, about 72 litres, with open swimming space. Driftwood and plants for shade and floating plants to soften the light help it settle, and a dark substrate deepens the colour.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.0-7.5 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.5-8.0 and 23-28C. Farmed fish are not fussy, but keep nitrate down with regular water changes.
Very peaceful and suited to similarly sized characins, Corydoras, small loricariids and non-predatory small cichlids. A group of eight to ten or more brings out male display behaviour and better colour.
An omnivore taking small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae and fallen fruit in the wild. It can live on dried food alone but does better with frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp added.
An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care that will eat its own eggs. Use a dimly lit spawning tank with fine-leaved plants, spawning mops or a mesh the eggs can fall through, and remove the adults after spawning.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern and it is not on the CITES appendices. It is harmless to people. It was once considered endemic to the Tapajos, but fish identical to the aquarium form were photographed in the lower Xingu in the early 1990s, and the origin of the commercial strain is debated.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Lemon Tetra is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Lemon Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Lemon Tetra typically reaches About 4cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lemon Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lemon Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026