The lemon tetra, Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, is one of the most popular aquarium fish of all and can be found in the standard range of pet shops. As with so many everyday species, little thought is given to them, but the lemon tetra holds many secrets!
The ancestors of the animals that we can occasionally offer as beautiful captive-bred specimens are said to originate from Bolivia. They differ from the well-known lemon tetra (from Brazil) by their intense orange color and the absence of the otherwise typical black fin fringe in the anal fin. According to our breeder, the fish also differ in their spawning behavior. This orange lemon tetra is therefore presumably a new, undescribed species.
They are very easy to keep and can even be kept by beginners. The up to 4.5 cm long animals should be kept in groups in well-structured aquaria, where each fish soon occupies a tiny territory. They will eat any common fish food and the temperature can be between 22 and 28°C. The water should (but does not have to) be soft and slightly acidic, then the colors are at their best.
For our customers: the new animals, which we call “Orange Bolivia”, have code 261632, the classic lemon tetra 261603. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text Frank Schäfer, Photos: Frank Schäfer and H. J. Mayland/Aqualog-Archives
