Buenos Aires Tetra

Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is one of the most commonly kept and most commonly regretted tetras in the planted aquarium hobby. It is hardy, active, vividly colored with red fins, and completely compatible with a wide range of water conditions — and it will systematically eat every soft-leaved plant in your aquarium. The Buenos Aires Tetra is a genuine herbivore among tetras, and its appetite for aquatic vegetation is relentless.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes, Hikari Micro Pellets, and Hikari Mini Algae Wafers make excellent daily staples — this species has a significant herbivorous component. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms 2–3 times per week.

Native to the La Plata basin in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil — a temperate river system considerably cooler than typical tropical aquariums. This is the southernmost distribution of any commonly kept tetra, explaining its extraordinary temperature tolerance (65–82°F) and hardiness.

Compatible setups are those without live plants — hardscape only, or using only very tough plants like Java Fern, Anubias, or large-leaved Bolbitis. In groups of 10 or more, fin-nipping behavior is greatly reduced.

For aquarists who want a robust, active, colorful tetra for a non-planted community setup or a South American cichlid biotope, the Buenos Aires Tetra is excellent. Hardy enough for beginners and cool-water tolerant.

Care & Ideal Parameters