Buenos Aires Tetra

The Buenos Aires Tetra is an energetic fish that is a bit aggressive, likes slow moving water with lots of artificial plants.  Adult size: 7-8 cm, minimum tank size is 95 litres.

Buenos Aires tetra (Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is one of the hardiest tetra fish. This tetra does not require any special water keeping conditions.  For a tetra, they are quite large fish. With proper water conditions, the fish can live a healthy life. The qualities of this tetra make it easy for the beginning fish keepers to keep them in the aquarium.  They originate in areas near the western shores of Rio de la Plata, Argentina/ and also common in south eastern Brazil.

Behaviour

The Buenos Aires Tetra are active shoaling fish. In the wild, you can find such tetras in rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes. Most aquarists say that Buenos Aires tetras are fantastic species to watch. These fish are very active, although they do not get along with other species in the tank at first. Nevertheless, they will get along after adjusting to their tank.

Tank Conditions

Buenos Aires tetras are very easy going and adapt to various water conditions. These fish were the most popular aquarium fish for many years. It must be noted that this tetra eats live plants so you will need to have some artificial plants in your aquarium.

Compatibility

These tetras are energetic, and a bit aggressive with slower fish and can compete with them for food. Hence, it is better to put them with the species that can match their behavior. Some of the suitable companions for this tetra are rainbowfish, larger rasboras, barbs, and danio/minos.

Feeding

Like most of the tetras, Buenos Aires tetras are also omnivores. In the wild, they mostly feed on worms, crustaceans, insects as well as plants. In the aquarium, these tetras are easily pleased and are bold feeders. You must feed these tetras with a high-quality flake or granular foods. The supplement food for these fish can be live or frozen bloodworms, daphnia, glass worms, etc. which will enhance their colour. Feed several times a day but only as much as the fish will consume in three minutes of less.

These fish also eat your aquarium plants, if you have any live plants. We suggest feeding some algae based foods.  Other vegetarian items include sliced cucumber, blanched spinach, and nori. These diets can help them grow to their full potential as well make them healthy.

Care

The Buenos Aires tetra easily adapts to various tank conditions and can tolerate cooler temps as low as 16°C and  as high as 28°C.  They are relatively resistant to diseases. The fish is often recommended to beginner aquarists.