Pink Lemon Tetra 'Paraguaçu' (Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis)

Common Name

Pink Lemonade Tetra

Scientific name

Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis   |   Origin, Paraguaçu River basin, Bahia, Brazil

Origin and Habitat

Native to the Paraguaçu River drainage in Bahia with records from nearby small coastal streams that empty into the same bay system. Waters are clear to tea tinted from leaf tannins, warm, and low in hardness. Shorelines have fine sand and leaf litter with overhanging vegetation, fallen branches, and gentle current. These tetras cruise the midwater in loose groups, slip into shaded margins when startled, and return to graze on drifting micro foods.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred temperature is 73 to 79 F, which is 23 to 26 C. Wild pH is typically about 5.5 to 7.0 depending on site and season with soft to near neutral hardness. For routine care we do not recommend chasing exact numbers. Stable, clean, well oxygenated water is far more important, keep parameter tweaks for dedicated breeding attempts.

Appearance and Size

A petite tetra with a rosy body and a crisp lemon to peach lateral glow that intensifies with mood and condition. Fins are lightly translucent with a faint dusk at the tips, and mature males often carry a deeper hue than females. Maximum length is about 3.8 cm standard length, roughly 1.5 inches.

Diet in the Wild

Opportunistic micro predator and picker. Takes tiny insects at the surface, micro crustaceans, algae filaments, and biofilm drifting in slow margins of Paraguaçu tributaries.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer a varied mix of high quality micro pellets, fine flakes, and small frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Several small feedings bring out color and color and keep the school active. Floating plants and dappled light help shy groups feel secure so they feed boldly in the open.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and best as a proper group. Keep at least eight so they display natural schooling runs and gentle sparring among males. A planted layout with fine sand, leaf litter pockets, and wood creates the shaded lanes they prefer. Provide gentle flow with high oxygen, and pair with other small calm characins, dwarf corys, and peaceful nano fish that enjoy warm clean water.

Breeding

Open water egg scatterer with a strong preference for fine plants. Condition adults with small live and frozen foods for one to two weeks. Use a separate breeding tank with soft water, fine leaved plants or spawning mops, and very gentle flow. Introduce a well conditioned pair or small group late in the day. Spawning usually occurs at first light, eggs fall among plants and into mesh or marbles. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg loss. Eggs typically hatch in one to two days depending on temperature. Start fry on infusoria or paramecium for the first few days, then transition to freshly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered fry foods. Keep light subdued and maintain impeccable water quality with tiny daily changes.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis
• Origin: Paraguaçu River basin and nearby coastal streams in Bahia, Brazil
• Adult size: about 3.8 cm standard length, roughly 1.5 inches
• Temperature: 73 to 79 F (23 to 26 C)
• Wild pH: about 5.5 to 7.0, soft to near neutral water
• Temperament: peaceful schooling tetra
• Diet: micro predator and picker, accepts quality prepared and small frozen foods
• Breeding: plant spawning egg scatterer, remove adults after spawning

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Pink Lemonade Tetras are not a common import. You do not see Paraguaçu basin fish on stock lists very often, and when they appear the batches are small and seasonal. That scarcity makes a healthy group feel extra special in a planted layout, the soft citrus glow looks incredible under dappled light. If you want a project, this is a great candidate to establish a home bred line so more hobbyists can enjoy them. Keep them steady, keep them in numbers, and they reward you with constant motion and a color you almost never find in freshwater.