Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Hardy, active, and an indiscriminate plant-eater — keep it with hardscape-only tanks, tough plants like Anubias and java fern, or wild-caught planted setups that can take the abuse. Tolerates cooler temperatures than most South American tetras.
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) reaches 7–10 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 150 L. Native to Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, it lives in the mid water column with a semi-aggressive (plant-eater) temperament. Aim for 18–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–7 years with good care. Keep buenos aires tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore (heavy plant-grazer), Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen and live foods. Plant-safe: No (will defoliate soft plants). Shrimp-safe: No.
Care at a glance
Hardy, active, and an indiscriminate plant-eater — keep it with hardscape-only tanks, tough plants like Anubias and java fern, or wild-caught planted setups that can take the abuse. Tolerates cooler temperatures than most South American tetras.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether buenos aires tetra fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore (heavy plant-grazer)
Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen and live foods.
5–7 yrs
Easy
Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil
Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) needs a minimum tank of 150 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 18–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No. Plant safety: No (will defoliate soft plants).
Buenos Aires Tetra are omnivore (heavy plant-grazer). Flake, pellet, blanched veg, frozen and live foods.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–7 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
