Lemon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Synonyms Yellow tetra

Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 68–82°F (20–28°C) and pH 5–7.5, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 72 L (19 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	4 cm (1.6 in)
Minimum tank	72 L (19 gal)
Group size	8 or more
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH	5–7.5
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	6–8 years
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only

Before it goes in

Lemon Tetra needs at least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
It holds at 68–82°F (20–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
A group of 8 takes up roughly 48% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

How many should I keep?

8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.

What water does it want?

68–82°F (20–28°C), pH 5–7.5.

How long does it live?

6–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Lemon Tetra	Black Neon Tetra	Black Phantom Tetra
Adult size	4 cm	3.5 cm	4.5 cm
Min tank	72 L	60 L	60 L
Group	8+	6+	6+
Temperature	68–82°F (20–28°C)	73–81°F (23–27°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only	Shrimplets only	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Lemon Tetra →

Sources (6) · checked Sep 2026