Buenos Aires Tetra Ultimate Guide | Updated 2024

By: Martin McAdam
Updated: February 12, 2023

Buenos Aires Tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, typically about 2.5 inches long. The fish is silver in color, with a black stripe running down the length of its body. The fins are orange or red, and the tail is forked.

Buenos Aires Tetra is a type of fish native to Argentina. It is a small, colorful fish popular in the aquarium trade. This article will provide basic information about Buenos Aires Tetra, including its physical characteristics, habitat, and diet.

Species Summary

Scientific Name:Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Common Name(s):Buenos Aires Tetra, Red-eyed Tetra
Family:Characidae
Care Level:Easy
Size:Up to 2.8 inches
Lifespan:3 to 5 years
Diet:Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size:30 gallons
Temperament:Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness:Hardy
Temperature range:64°-82°Fahrenheit
Water pH:5.5-8.5
Water Hardness:12 - 35 dGH
Breeding:Easy
Egg count:100-200
Spawning method:Egg layer
Fry Survival Rate:High

Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is a small, colorful fish found in the wild in Argentina and Paraguay. They are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of six or more.

They are peaceful fish and are perfect for community tanks. They will eat most types of food but should be fed a diet that includes meaty and vegetative foods.

Buenos Aires Tetra is a hardy fish and can be kept in moderate temperatures. They will breed in an aquarium, and the female will lay her eggs among the plants. The eggs will hatch in two to three days, and the fry will be able to eat newly hatched brine shrimp.

Buenos Aires Tetra is an excellent choice if you want a colorful, peaceful fish to add to your aquarium!

Buenos Aires Tetras are inexpensive and can be bought for around $2-3 per fish.

When buying a Buenos Aires Tetra, it is essential to look for signs of stress, such as clamped fins, swollen bodies, or open-mouth breathing. In addition, you should also make sure that the fish is eating and swimming usually.

Check Black Neon Tetra 101

Buenos Aires Tetra Appearance

Appearance-wise, Buenos Aires Tetras have a black body with a bright red stripe running from the nose to the tail. In addition, there is also a conspicuous blue stripe that runs down the middle of their body. The fins are primarily transparent with tinges of yellow.

Buenos Aires Tetra Appearance

Males and females look very similar, except males tend to be slightly larger. Fully grown adults can reach lengths of 2 to 3 inches.

They also have a bright blue stripe running down the middle of their body. These colorful markings make them a popular choice for aquariums.

Buenos Aires Tetra Behaviour & Temperament

Regarding their temperament, Buenos Aires Tetras are peaceful fish that get along well with other species.

On the whole, Buenos Aires Tetras are easy-going and hardy fish that make a great addition to any community tank.

They are usually shy and will stay near the bottom of the tank. However, they can be quite playful when they get used to their surroundings.

Buenos Aires Tetra is a small, colorful fish found in the wild in Argentina and Paraguay. They are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of six or more.

Also, check Cardinal Tetra 101

Buenos Aires Tetra Food & Diet

As omnivores, Buenos Aires Tetras will eat both plant and meaty foods. In the wild, they mainly feed on small insects and other invertebrates. However, in the aquarium, they can be given a diet that includes both types of food.

Buenos Aires Tetras should be fed 2-3 times a day.

Some good meaty options include brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. For plant matter, you can give them things like spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or chopped zucchini.

It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with vitamin-rich foods such as live or frozen foods.

Buenos Aires Tetra Lifespan

Buenos Aires Tetra typically lives for 5 to 8 years in the wild and 3 to 5 years in captivity. These little fish are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any community aquarium. So, if you want a new fish to add to your tank, consider Buenos Aires Tetra!

Buenos Aires Tetra Breeding

Buenos Aires Tetra is a prolific breeder who can lay hundreds of eggs simultaneously. The eggs will hatch in 3-5 days, and the fry will be able to eat newly hatched brine shrimp. Buenos Aires Tetra can be bred with other small, schooling fish.

Some good choices include guppies, swordtails, and mollies.

Buenos Aires Tetra is a relatively easy fish to breed. They will readily spawn in the aquarium, and the fry is easy to care for. However, removing the parents from the tank after generating is essential as they may eat the eggs.

Buenos Aires Tetra Breeding

To promote breeding, it is necessary to provide Buenos Aires Tetras with the right conditions. The tank should have at least 20 gallons and plenty of plants. It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with vitamin-rich foods such as live or frozen foods.

Buenos Aires Tetras reach maturity at 6-8 months of age. At this point, they will start to breed. However, it is best to wait until they are 1 year old before attempting to produce them. This will ensure they are large enough and have a robust immune system to care for the fry.

Care Guide

Here, we will share a complete care guide for Buenos Aires Tetras.

The fry of Buenos Aires Tetra is quite delicate and needs to be cared for properly. They should be kept in a separate tank with similar water conditions to their parents.

The fry should also be fed small live foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. As they grow, you can gradually introduce them to flakes or pellets.

Removing uneaten food from the tank is essential as it can quickly pollute the water and kill the fry. Also, keep an eye on the fry as they are susceptible to cannibalism. If you see any fish starting to harass or eat the fry, remove them from the tank immediately.

With proper care, the fry of Buenos Aires Tetra will increase, and they will be able to join the rest of the school in no time. So, if you want a new fish to add to your tank, consider Buenos Aires Tetra!

Lighting

Buenos Aires Tetra does best in medium to high lighting conditions. However, they can tolerate low lighting conditions. Buenos Aires Tetra also does well in low-light conditions. However, they will need indirect light to help them see their food.

However, some people like a light in their tanks for aesthetic reasons. If you choose light in your tank, it should be fluorescent or LED lighting.

You may also check Bellus Angelfish Care

Filter

Buenos Aires Tetra requires a moderate amount of filtration. However, they should not be kept in tanks with high levels of organic waste.

The suggested filters are:

  • Aqueon QuietFlow 10 Aquarium Power Filter
  • Tetra Whisper EX20 Canister Filter
  • Fluval FX4 High-Performance Canister Filter
  • Eheim Classic 2213 Canister Filter
  • Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter

Heater

Buenos Aires Tetra prefers water that is between 72° to 78°F. However, they can tolerate water temperatures as low as 64°F and as high as 82°F.

Some good heaters for Buenos Aires Tetra are:

  • Fluval Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater.
  • Aqueon Pro Heater
  • Marineland Stealth Heater
  • Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater

Buenos Aires Tetra Tank Mates

Buenos Aires Tetra can be kept with most other community fish. However, they should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish. Some good tank mates for Buenos Aires Tetra include:

Tank Size And Tank Region

Buenos Aires Tetra can be kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons. However, they will do best in a tank of at least 20 gallons. This will give them enough space to swim and play.

Buenos Aires Tetra is a bottom-dwelling fish. They will often stay near the bottom of the tank or in the middle region.

When it comes to aquascaping, Buenos Aires Tetras do best in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spaces. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other species and make a great addition to any community tank.

Tank Decorations

Buenos Aires Tetra does well in tanks with many plants. They will use the plants to cover and hide from predators. Additionally, they will help to improve the water quality in the tank.

Tank Decorations

Buenos Aires Tetra should be placed in the back of the tank. This will help to keep them from being seen by predators. Additionally, they will have plenty of room to swim and play.

Some good plants for Buenos Aires Tetra include:

  • Anacharis
  • Java moss
  • Cryptocoryne
  • Water wisteria
  • Bacopa monnieri
  • Hygrophila corymbosa

Water changes And Gravel Vacuuming

Buenos Aires Tetra should have a water change of at least 10-15% every week. This will help to keep the water clean and free of harmful toxins. Buenos Aires Tetra should be gravel vacuumed every other week. This will help to keep the tank clean and free of debris.

Buenos Aires Tetra requires very little maintenance. They are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, keeping the tank clean and free of debris is essential. Additionally, the water should be changed regularly to ensure the health of the fish.

Ammonia levels

Buenos Aires Tetra should not be kept in tanks with high ammonia levels. Ammonia levels over 0.25 ppm can be harmful to fish. If the levels are high, the tank should be cleaned, and the water changed immediately. High ammonia causes stress and can lead to death.

Nitrite levels

Buenos Aires Tetra should not be kept in tanks with high nitrite levels. Nitrite levels over 0.50 ppm can be harmful to fish. If the levels are high, the tank should be cleaned, and the water changed immediately. High nitrite levels cause diseases like fin rot and can lead to death.

Also, check Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp 101

Phosphate levels

Buenos Aires Tetra should not be kept in tanks with high phosphate levels. Phosphate levels over 1 ppm can be harmful to fish. If the levels are high, the tank should be cleaned, and the water changed immediately. High phosphate levels can cause algal blooms and can lead to death.

Nitrate levels

Buenos Aires Tetra can tolerate high levels of nitrate. However, they should not be kept in tanks with nitrate levels over 40 ppm. High nitrate levels can cause stress, stunted growth, and death.

Oxygen Levels

Buenos Aires Tetra requires high levels of oxygen. The tank should be fitted with an air stone and a bubbler to help increase oxygen levels in the water. If the oxygen levels are low, the fish may become stressed and die.

Protein Skimmer

Buenos Aires Tetra should be kept in a tank that has a protein skimmer. A protein skimmer helps to remove harmful toxins from the water. It is recommended that the protein skimmer be run at all times to ensure the health of the fish.

Diet Foods To Avoid

Buenos Aires Tetra should not be fed foods high in protein. Foods that are high in protein can cause ammonia and nitrite levels to spike. It is best to provide Buenos Aires Tetra with a diet of flake food and frozen food.

Buenos Aires Tetra Potential Fish Diseases

Buenos Aires Tetra is susceptible to many diseases that affect other fish.

Some of these diseases include:

  • Fin rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail of the fish. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and loss of color in the fins and tail.
  • Ich: This parasitic infection causes white spots on the fish. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include white areas on the body, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
  • Mouth rot: Mouth rot is a bacterial infection that affects the mouth and gills of fish. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and ulcers in the mouth and gills.
  • Swollen belly: Swollen belly is a condition that causes the fish's belly to swell. It is usually caused by overfeeding or overeating fat. Symptoms include a bloated stomach and difficulty swimming.
  • Dropsy: Dropsy is a condition that causes the fish's body to swell. A bacterial infection usually causes it. Symptoms include a bloated stomach, loss of appetite, and protruding scales.
  • Hexamita: Hexamita is a protozoan parasite that affects fish's digestive system. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include weight loss, loss of color, and lesions on the body.
  • Septicemia: Septicemia is a bacterial infection that affects the fish's blood. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.
  • Anchor worm: Anchor worm is a parasitic infection that affects the fish's body. It is caused by poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and lesions on the body.

Treatment And Medications For Diseases

Most diseases can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can be purchased at most pet stores. It is essential to follow the directions on the package carefully.

  • Fin rot: Fin rot can be treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
  • White spot disease: White spot disease can be treated with medications such as copper sulfate or malachite green.
  • Ich: Ich can be treated with medications such as quinine hydrochloride or potassium permanganate.
  • Mouth rot: Mouth rot can be treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
  • Swollen belly: Swollen belly can often be treated by simply reducing the fish's food.
  • Dropsy: Dropsy can be treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
  • Hexamita: Hexamita can be treated with metronidazole or neomycin.
  • Septicemia: Septicemia can be treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
  • Anchor worm: Anchor worm can be treated with medications such as levamisole or praziquantel.

Prevention Of Disease

The best way to prevent diseases is to ensure that the water quality is good and that the fish are getting enough oxygen.

You can do this by regularly testing the water and changing it when necessary. You should also add an air pump to the tank to help circulate the water and oxygenate it.

You can also help prevent diseases by quarantining new fish before adding them to your tank. This will allow you to observe them for any signs of illness and treat them before they have a chance to infect your other fish.

Finally, you can help prevent diseases by practicing good hygiene. Always clean the tank and its parts regularly, and never add water from one tank to another.

Also, check Ghost Shrimp 101

Advantages Of Having Buenos Aires Tetra In Your Tank

  • Active: Tetras are very active fish and always swim around. This makes them a lot of fun to watch.
  • Colorful: Tetras are some of the most colorful fish in the world. They come in various colors, including red, blue, green, and yellow.
  • Affordable: Tetras are one of the cheapest fish you can buy. They are often sold for just a few dollars each.
  • Hardy: Tetras are one of the hardiest fish you can keep in your tank. They can tolerate many water conditions and are resistant to most diseases.
  • Versatile: Tetras can be kept with other fish species, including cichlids, barbs, and danios.
  • Easy to care for: Tetras are easy to care for and don't require much attention. They are the perfect fish for beginner aquarists.
  • Peaceful: Tetras are generally very friendly fish and get along well with other tank mates.
  • Fun: Tetras are fun fish to watch and add a lot of personality to your tank.
  • Breeding: Tetras can be bred in captivity and often produce healthy offspring.

You may also check Pregnant Guppy Fish

Disadvantages Of Having Buenos Aires Tetra In Your Tank

  • Can be nippy: Tetras can be nippy towards smaller fish and inverts. They may also nip at the fins of larger fish.
  • May eat plants: Tetras may eat live plants if they are not given enough food. This can be prevented by providing them with plenty of vegetables or pellets that contain plant matter.
  • Susceptible to disease: Tetras are exposed to several conditions that can often be difficult to treat. It is essential to keep an eye on them and to treat any signs of illness immediately.
  • May require special care: Some tetras, such as the neon tetra, require special care, and they may not be suitable for all tanks.
  • May breed prolifically: Tetras may breed prolifically if not kept in a controlled environment. This can result in an overcrowded tank and a lot of unwanted babies.
  • May be shy: Tetras may be nervous, and they may not come out to greet you when you visit your tank.
  • May jump: Tetras may jump out of your tank if they are not adequately secured. This can be prevented using a tank lid fitted with a secure closure system.
  • May die quickly: Tetras are delicate fish and may pass easily if not kept in ideal conditions. It is essential to monitor the water quality and temperature closely.
  • Not easy to find: Tetras are not always easy to find in pet stores. You may need to order them online or from a specialty store.
  • Can be expensive: Some tetras, such as the neon tetra, can be pretty expensive. They may cost several dollars each.

Conclusion

Tetras are colorful, active fish that significantly add to the aquarium. They are hardy and versatile and can be kept with other fish species. They are also easy to care for and do not require much attention.

Tetras can be bred in captivity, and they often produce healthy offspring. However, they are susceptible to disease and may die quickly if not kept in ideal conditions.

Additionally, they can be nippy towards smaller fish and eat live plants if they are not given enough food.

Tetras are not always easy to find in pet stores and can be expensive. Nevertheless, they are famous for many aquarists due to their vibrant colors and dynamic personalities.

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