Tetra's in a five gallon

[NinjaSmurf]

I asked this in the beginner forum but I wanted to repost here so I could get exactly what I need to know. My little brother has a five gallon he wants to set up and he wants it to just have tetra's in it. He said something about black one's and lemons, but I've never kept tetra's in my life and have no idea what to tell him. I don't pay much attention to them at the store and only know what cardinals and neons look like. How many could he fit in the tank and what kinds would be the best?

 

[Lateral Line]

Almost all of the common small characins, (tetras), are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of say 5-6 fish. That said, the tank is too small to hold such a number.

You could put say 3 Lemon Tetras in there, they'll probably survive if the tank is well looked after, but they won't really be happy.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Yeah, shoaling fish don't like being kept in small numbers. Not only will they be unhappy, they'll be stressed out and more likely to get sick.

I'd suggest a bigger tank, especially since tetras like a little bit of room to swim in or changing the type of fish.

 

[silent_one]

I have to agree that the tank is probably too small, I would suggest some of the livebearing fishes for a five gallon.