"> "> "/> Characins/ Characinae / Lemon Tetra Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
SYN: None
PD: The body is translucent with a yellow to orange color. Behind the gill cover is an orange to red marking in reflected light. The iris is bright orange to red. A yellow stripe extends from the tail to the gill cover. The fins are transparent except for the dorsal which sometime develops a red sheen, and the anal, which has a yellow front edging and a black ridge.
SIZE: To 2" (5 cm)
SS: None
HAB: South America; in small, overgrown creeks and streams in the Rio Tocantins and its tributaries.
S: middle, top
TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). Tank set-up should be like other Hyphessobrycon species. See genus description.
WATER: pH 5.5-8 (6.5), 3-25 dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°C)
SB: A peaceful, schooling fish that is recommended for community tanks. Keep in groups of at least five fish.
SC: Tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Loricarids, Discus, Colisa.
FOOD: Flake; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex. Best colors develop only when fed a variety of nutritious foods.
SEX: The male is slender and has a broad black edge on its anal fin while the female's remains the same color.
B: Some say spawning is difficult while others claim that it is easy. This fish can sometimes be prolific laying 100-200 eggs among plants. The eggs hatch in a day and are free-swimming after 2-3 days. They are slow-growing and tend to hide most of the time. Start feeding with crushed flake and small live foods.
BP: 7. Breeding the Lemon Tetra is moderately difficult.
R: This fish will develop its beautiful colors only when kept in soft water that has frequent water changes.
DC: 3. A hardy, community fish.