Product Details

Lemon Tetra Orange Bolivian – Hyphessobrycon cf. pulchripinnis “Bolivia Orange”

Overview:

The Lemon Tetra Orange Bolivian is a bright, lively shoaling tetra with warm yellow-orange body colour and an eye-catching glow when kept in a planted aquarium. Closely related to the classic Lemon Tetra, Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, this Bolivia Orange form is especially appealing for aquarists wanting a peaceful midwater group fish with more intense orange tones than the standard lemon variety. It is active, social and best shown in a good-sized shoal where males can display naturally.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Lemon Tetra Orange Bolivian
Other Names: Orange Bolivian Lemon Tetra, Bolivia Orange Lemon Tetra, Orange Lemon Tetra, Bolivian Orange Tetra, Lemon Tetra
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon cf. pulchripinnis “Bolivia Orange”
Fish Type: Tetra
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The standard Lemon Tetra, Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis, is associated with South America, with its type locality unclear but the species commonly linked with the lower Amazon region of Brazil. Seriously Fish notes that the original locality was reported as “Amazonas”, while FishBase lists the species as a South American freshwater tetra.

The Bolivia Orange form is reported in the aquarium trade as having Bolivian ancestry and is now available as captive-bred stock. It is best treated as a soft-water South American tetra that appreciates planted cover, subdued areas, gentle flow and clean, stable conditions.

Appearance & Adult Size:

This form has a slender, laterally compressed tetra body with a clear to golden-orange base colour. Mature fish can show stronger orange through the body and fins than standard Lemon Tetras, while the eyes may show a bright reflective highlight. Aquarium Glaser reports this form reaching up to around 4.5 cm, which is a useful practical adult size for aquarium planning. Males are often slimmer and more colourful when displaying, while females are usually a little deeper-bodied.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent choice for a peaceful planted community aquarium. It suits aquascapes with fine-leaved plants, floating plants, wood, leaf litter, shaded areas and open midwater swimming space. The orange colour is usually most attractive under calm lighting, in good water quality and against darker planting or décor. It is not suitable for aggressive communities, large predatory fish or very small uncycled aquariums.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 70–80 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm. A larger aquarium of 100 litres or more is recommended for a stronger shoal and a more natural display. FishBase lists aquarium keeping for H. pulchripinnis in groups of five or more with a 60 cm minimum aquarium length, but larger groups are better for behaviour and colour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer water preferred for best colour
Additional Notes: Stable, clean water is more important than chasing exact numbers. This fish colours best in mature aquariums with gentle to moderate flow, plants, shaded areas and regular water changes. Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal, but captive-bred stock is usually adaptable if changes are gradual.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Lemon Tetra Orange Bolivians are peaceful shoaling fish and work well with other calm community species. Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small plecs, dwarf cichlids and peaceful gouramis in compatible water.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs and very boisterous tank mates that may outcompete or stress them. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 10 or more strongly preferred. A larger group improves confidence, reduces stress and encourages better display behaviour.

Feeding:

This tetra is an easy-feeding omnivore. Offer quality fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple, supported with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. FishBase notes that Lemon Tetras feed on worms, crustaceans and plant matter, so a varied diet with both small meaty foods and some vegetable content is ideal. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a midwater shoaling fish that becomes much more confident when kept in numbers. Males may hold small display spaces among plants or open areas, showing colour to one another without usually causing harm. FishBase describes male Lemon Tetras defending small territories during morning spawning activity, with females schooling and entering those territories to spawn. In a settled aquarium, the group will move through the middle levels and gather quickly at feeding time.

Care Notes:

Keep in a mature, stable aquarium and avoid adding to brand-new setups. A dark substrate, floating plants and gentle lighting will help bring out the orange tones. Do not keep singly or in pairs, as small numbers can become shy and washed out. Avoid very hard, alkaline conditions if strong colour is the goal, and maintain low nitrate with regular water changes. Use a secure lid, as small active tetras can jump if startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred specialist strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.