Lemon Tetra
Quick Stats
| Size | Up to 2" (5cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 60 litres + for a small school |
| Swimming Area | Middle, top |
| Ph | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Temperature | 72ºF to 82ºF (22-28°C) |
| Food | Flakes and Frozen Foods |
Common Name:
Lemon Tetra.
Distribution:
Widespread throughout South America, But not found in great numbers.
Colouration:
The top of the eye is very Red. The end and edge of the Dorsal fin is Black. The back rays on the Anal fin are Black. The front ones are bright Yellow. The body is transparent with a slight Yellowish tinge. A Iridescent stripe extends laterally from the gill cover to the start of the Caudal fin.
Lifespan:
5 + years.
Maintenance:
10% weekly water changes. They are best kept in schools of at least six with other non aggressive fish. A good community fish.
Feeding:
Feeding is no problem as they will accept all flake food as well as any live food you can provide.
Substrate:
Dark, sandy substrate.
Tank Decor:
The tank should have open areas for swimming as well as areas with dense vegetation for hiding.
Filtration:
Standard filtration for the size of the tank.
Biotype:
The Amazon River watershed.
Breeding:
The lemon Tetra is not one of the easiest Tetras to spawn. It seems that the females have trouble expelling the eggs and so several females should be combined with one male to increase the chance of success. Eggs are laid in fine leafed plants in the scattering method. The eggs hatch in about twenty-four hours and the mortality rate is fairly high. Once the young survive the first couple of days they prove to be very hardy. The parents give no care and will eat the eggs and young and so should be removed as quickly as possible after spawning.