Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) Care Guide
A hardy, active tetra with a silver body and a distinctive red tail fin. Known for being a plant nipper, so not ideal for heavily planted tanks.
Overview
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi is a species in the family Characidae. A hardy, active tetra with a silver body and a distinctive red tail fin. Known for being a plant nipper, so not ideal for heavily planted tanks. Very tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and temperatures.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
- Origin: South America, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
Habitat
Native to the Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay basins of southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Inhabits subtropical streams and tolerates cooler temperatures than most tropical tetras. A hardy, fast-growing characin known to nibble soft aquarium plants.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 18-28 °C
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Tiger Barb, Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco, Swordtail
- Avoid with: Betta, Slow Long-Finned Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: beginner