Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Buenos Aires Tetra has a large distribution throughout river systems in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. Most Buenos Aires tetra available within the aquarium trade are captive or commerically produced, however, due to their popularity. A hardy fish, the Buenos Aires tetra has an elongated body shape that is silver in color and orange fins. These tetra are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 8 individuals but more are encouraged. Number of individuals for this species is especially important to avoid nippy behavior that can otherwise be projected toward other tank mates. An adult Buenos Aires tetra can reach a size of approximately 2.5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Buenos Aires tetra are omnivores. Offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Buenos Aires tetra given their more semi-aggressive temperament. Buenos Aires tetra are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. Given their ease of care, Buenos Aires tetra are also an excellent choice for beginner hobbyists. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Buenos Aires tetra happy, but artificial plants, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this fish. Buenos Aires tetra are not a good live planted aquarium inhabitant because they will consume most live plants. Given their somewhat boisterous temperament, avoid timid and long-finned species as tank mates. Rainbowfish make excellent tank mates for Buenos Aires tetra, for example. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
