Lemon Tetra

With its semi-transparent, pale yellow body, the lemon tetra looks plain at first glance; the details that really catch the eye are in the fins. The leading edge of the anal fin is decorated with black and bright yellow lines, and there is a similar yellow-and-black area on the dorsal fin. The upper half of the eye is bright red. Fish that look pale in the store turn a distinct lemon yellow within a few weeks with good care and a varied diet.

It is a long-lived, hardy and peaceful species; one of the classic fish of planted community aquariums.

It lives in the Tapajós River basin, one of the southern tributaries of the Amazon, in the Brazilian state of Pará. It prefers slow-flowing, plant-filled shoreline areas and small streams.

• Volume: at least 60 liters for a school of 8–12.
• Water: 23–27°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Decor: a dark substrate and a densely planted background bring out the yellow color. Leave open swimming space in the middle.
• Maintenance: a 25% water change every week; gentle to moderate flow.

Omnivorous. Use flakes and small granules as the staple; supplement with frozen and live brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. Foods containing carotenoids and a varied menu contribute directly to a deeper yellow.

Peaceful and does not bother other species. Males put on small displays among themselves but do no harm. In a large school it cruises the middle layer of the aquarium; when kept in small numbers it becomes shy. It usually leaves adult shrimp alone.

Good companions: other peaceful tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf gouramis, dwarf cichlids, small livebearers.

Avoid: large fish that could fit it in their mouths, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species.

At least 8, ideally 12 or more individuals are recommended. In a large group the schooling order and the color display become more pronounced. Having more than one male brings out the displays among them. The sex ratio is not critical.

It is an egg scatterer and can be bred in the aquarium. A separate tank is prepared with soft, slightly acidic water, dim light and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. The female releases her eggs among the plants; the parents are removed because they eat the eggs. The fry become free-swimming within a few days and are fed infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp.

• Paleness: a monotonous diet or stress causes the yellow color to fade.
• White spot (ich): may appear after sudden drops in temperature.
• General: it is hardy; it rarely falls ill in mature, clean water.

Males have a wider, more distinct black edge on the anal fin and more intense yellow tones. Females have plumper bodies, and the black on their fins is thinner.