Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetra - Hyphessobrycon cf pulchripinnis Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon cf pulchripinnis) is a species of Tetra native to South America, where it inhabits clear streams and rivers. They are a popular choice for community aquariums due to their modest size, peaceful behaviour, and striking colouration. This species offers a blend of attractive aesthetics, interesting behaviours, and relatively easy care, making it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. In terms of appearance, Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras initially display a pale orange hue that deepens into a rich orangey-red as they mature and acclimate to their aquarium environment. These tetras are distinguished by their striking red eyes, light red cheeks, and reddish tint on their fins, contributing to their vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic. By replicating their natural environment and dietary habits, enthusiasts can enjoy the full vibrancy and liveliness of these Tetras in the home aquarium.
Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras are celebrated for their peaceful nature and tendency to form schools, often swimming in groups of six or more. To ensure their well-being and to showcase their natural schooling behaviour in a truly captivating display it is essential to keep them in groups. Their tranquil demeanour makes them perfect inhabitants for community aquariums, where they can coexist harmoniously with other non-aggressive, similarly sized species. Ideal tankmates include various Tetra species, small Barbs, Danios, Rasboras, as well as Corydoras and Otocinclus Catfish. In larger aquariums, Dwarf Cichlids, particularly smaller Apistogramma species, can also be compatible companions. When choosing tankmates, prioritize peaceful, non-aggressive species from similar South American habitats to foster a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing community.
Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras flourish in aquariums that reflect their native riverine conditions. To effectively care for these vibrant fish, a minimum of a 90-litre tank is recommended to house a small school, ideally consisting of six or more individuals to encourage their natural schooling behaviour and mitigate stress. The water should be soft and slightly acidic, complemented by a dark substrate that simulates the riverbeds found in their natural habitat. Incorporating dense vegetation such as Java Fern and Anubias provides essential hiding spots and simulates the shaded environments these Tetras are accustomed to. Adding driftwood and leaf litter can further soften the water and introduce tannins, enhancing the resemblance to the Jacarandá River's conditions. Employing gentle filtration maintains cleanliness while avoiding strong currents, mimicking the calm waters these tetras prefer. Regular water changes are essential to preserve the water quality and ensure a healthy environment for these delicate Tetras.
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Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras is subtle, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes. During the breeding season, females typically exhibit a slightly rounder abdomen and may present with more vibrant colouration. Generally, adult male fish are often less robust, somewhat smaller, and display more vibrant colours than females, especially noticeable in the dorsal and anal fins.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon cf pulchripinnis |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Approx Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| KH | 3 - 8 |
| TDS | 18 - 215 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras are native to the Jacarandá River, a tributary of the Jucu River in Espírito Santo state, eastern Brazil. Typically, the waters of the Jacarandá River are soft and acidic, influenced by the surrounding forested areas which enrich the water with humic substances and tannins, resulting in a distinctive tea-coloured appearance. The riverbed is often littered with a thick layer of leaf debris and fallen branches, creating numerous hiding spots and breeding grounds for aquatic life. This environment supports a rich array of aquatic vegetation, providing essential cover and food sources for these Tetras.
Breeding
To maximize the chances of breeding Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetras, it is recommended to set up a separate, well-planted breeding tank with soft acidic water and an increased temperature by a couple of degrees. Feed the fish live foods to condition them for spawning. When a male is ready to reproduce, he will claim a specific area in the aquarium and display for competing males. Although it may appear as though they are fighting, they are not harming one another; it is merely a show.
The females will observe these displays and select the males they deem best suited for their offspring's success. When the females are ready to breed, they will seek concealed areas or dense vegetation to mate, scattering their eggs over the plants. After the eggs have been laid, it is advisable to remove the parents to ensure the eggs' survival, as they may eat the eggs if given the opportunity. The eggs will generally hatch within 3-4 days, and the fry will become free-swimming approximately 24 to 48 hours after that.
Diet & Feeding
The Red Arrow Super Lemon Tetra is an omnivorous species that thrives on a varied diet to maintain its health and vivid colouration. In the wild, these fish primarily consume small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In captivity, they benefit from a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake foods supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. These protein-rich foods are crucial for optimal growth and colour development. Additionally, occasional vegetable-based foods can help mimic their natural intake and provide necessary nutrients. It's important to feed them in small quantities multiple times a day to avoid overfeeding and ensure all individuals in a school receive adequate nutrition.
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Published: 20 May 2024
Last Updated: 20 May 2024