A large, incredibly hardy, and highly active tetra from South America. While they are nearly bulletproof regarding water parameters and great for beginners, they are notorious fin-nippers and voracious plant eaters. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse internal aggression and housed with equally robust, fast-moving tank mates (like larger Barbs or robust Catfish). Do not keep with long-finned fish, slow swimmers, or in delicate aquascapes.
Buenos Aires Tetra At a Glance
Buenos Aires Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Buenos Aires Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Buenos Aires Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Buenos Aires Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Buenos Aires Tetra Water Parameters
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Buenos Aires Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Buenos Aires Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The classic wild-type form featuring a brilliant metallic silver body, a distinct black diamond on the caudal peduncle, and bright red fins.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Albino
A selectively bred morph exhibiting a pale, pinkish-gold body with red eyes and red fins. Shares the exact same hardy, boisterous, and plant-eating behavior as the standard form.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Albino BA Tetra, Golden Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Buenos Aires Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon anisitsi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Buenos Aires Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Buenos Aires Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Buenos Aires Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Buenos Aires Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Buenos Aires Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Buenos Aires Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Buenos Aires Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Buenos Aires Tetra.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buenos Aires Tetra
How big does Buenos Aires Tetra get?
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Buenos Aires Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Buenos Aires Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Buenos Aires Tetra need?
Buenos Aires Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 16–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Buenos Aires Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Buenos Aires Tetra is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
How many Buenos Aires Tetra should be kept together?
Buenos Aires Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Buenos Aires Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Buenos Aires Tetra benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Buenos Aires Tetra
These plants pair well with Buenos Aires Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Bonsai Rotala
Rotala indica
Fish Similar to Buenos Aires Tetra
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
A very hardy, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to South America. They are incredibly popular for beginners but have a reputation as fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. A proper school disperses their internal bickering and largely prevents them from harassing other tank mates.
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
A larger, deep-bodied tetra known for its striking metallic blue body and bright red fins. They are very active and can be somewhat boisterous. They are known to occasionally nip fins if kept in groups that are too small or in tanks that lack adequate swimming space.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.