Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
64-82°F (18-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Buenos Aires Tetra
The Buenos Aires tetra is a robust, active fish from the rivers of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay in the Rio de la Plata basin. It has a silvery body with a distinctive blue-black horizontal stripe and red-orange fins that become more vivid in well-conditioned specimens. Buenos Aires tetras are among the largest and hardiest commonly kept tetras, reaching about 3 inches. They are energetic, fast-swimming fish with a reputation for being somewhat boisterous and for enthusiastically eating live plants. While this makes them unsuitable for delicate planted aquascapes, they excel in tanks with artificial plants or hardy species like Java fern and Anubias.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 64-82°F (18-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Buenos Aires tetras are exceptionally hardy and tolerate a wide temperature range of 64-82°F, making them suitable for unheated tanks in moderate climates. Keep them in groups of at least six, as smaller groups tend to nip tankmates. Be aware that they will devour most live plants, so use hardy species like Java fern, Anubias, or artificial decorations. Pair them with robust, similarly sized fish, as they can be too boisterous for small or delicate species. They are enthusiastic eaters that accept virtually any food. Their hardiness and active nature make them excellent fish for beginners who do not plan on keeping a planted tank.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Buenos Aires Tetra
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Tank Mates for Buenos Aires Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
easy · 20+ gal
Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
easy · 30+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Buenos Aires Tetra need?
A Buenos Aires Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Buenos Aires Tetra need?
Buenos Aires Tetra thrive in water between 64-82°F (18-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Buenos Aires Tetra easy to care for?
Buenos Aires Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Buenos Aires Tetra get and what do they eat?
Buenos Aires Tetra reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. Buenos Aires tetras are exceptionally hardy and tolerate a wide temperature range of 64-82°F, making them suitable for unheated tanks in moderate climates. Keep them in groups of at least six, as smaller groups tend to nip tankmates. Be aware that they will devour most live plants, so use hardy species like Java fern, Anubias, or artificial decorations. Pair them with robust, similarly sized fish, as they can be too boisterous for small or delicate species. They are enthusiastic eaters that accept virtually any food. Their hardiness and active nature make them excellent fish for beginners who do not plan on keeping a planted tank.