CheckMyFishTank

Lemon Tetra care

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Lemon Tetra, painted illustration

A calm yellow tetra that shows best in a planted tank.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2 inches
Temperature72 to 82°F
pH5.5 to 7.5
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives5 to 8 years
Watch for: They can nibble plants, so give them some tough plants.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes or small pellets, frozen daphnia.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Lemon Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Firemouth Cichlid: Firemouth Cichlid grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
  • Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.

Questions

What size tank does a Lemon Tetra need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 2 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Lemon Tetra like?

72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Lemon Tetra should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Lemon Tetra eat?

Flakes or small pellets, frozen daphnia. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.