Lemon Tetra 3.5cm

Lemon Tetra 
 

Lemon tetras are a truly underrated gem in the tetra world, for the aquarists that are wanting to have different, small, and colourful species, then the lemon tetra would be a perfect choice. Due to the unawareness of the lemon tetra, they are not all that common in aquarium stores, and as juveniles tend to have dulled colours so there is no initial interest.

These fish have a more oval body shape in comparison to some of the classic tetra species like neon's, they also get to a maximum size of 5cm making them a great alternative to the overly common species like rummy nose and cardinal tetras. As their name suggests the lemon tetra develops a beautiful yellow colour through the body with slight tinges of orange on the fins. They also have a characteristic, vibrant red ring on their eye which really makes this fish stand out in a planted aquarium setting. The lemon tetra also schools relatively well and is a laid-back, peaceful fish that is perfect to accentuate an aquascaped aquarium or to just add some volume to a community tank. 

Lemon tetras are a classic tropical species that thrive in temperatures between 24-28 degrees. They are also an extremely peaceful fish but feel best when kept in schools of 6 as a minimum but ideally, 10 or more would be perfect. breeding these fish in the home aquarium is not common due to the lack of popularity of this wonderful fish but it is possible. Females tend to be rounder bellied than males and will scatter eggs through the aquarium and males follow by fertilizing. The wild origin of cardinal tetras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Lemon Tetra

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish the lemon tetra can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being 20 gallons (75 liters). This aquarium size allows for a decent school of these tetras along with other community fish if required. 

The substrate choice is not of concern as long as it does not elevate the PH as these fish prefer softer water with a PH between 6 - 7PH.  They will like amazing under multi-spectrum aquarium lighting and against aquarium plats that will really highlight their colours. A really unique aquarium setting for these fish would be a biotope or blackwater aquarium as their yellow colour will really stand out. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The lemon is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression or fin nipping behavior They can be kept with a wide range of fish being top, bottom, and mid dweller fish. 

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, glow light tetras, neon tetras, Apistogramma, rams, and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish.  

Sometimes Compatible

Lemon tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin nipping species or fish which may outcompete them for food such as Roseline sharks or giant danios.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, or larger mouthed community fish which may prey on the tetras. 

Feeding your Lemon Tetra

Lemon tetras much like any other tetra species are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.