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.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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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.
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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.
