Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is a popular and hardy species of freshwater fish, native to the waters of South America, particularly the Paraná River and its tributaries in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It’s a great choice for aquariums, especially for those looking for active, vibrant fish that are also easy to care for.

Physical Description:

• Size: Buenos Aires Tetras are relatively larger than other tetra species, growing up to 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cm) in length.
• Coloration: They have a distinctive silver body with a reddish to orange hue on their fins, particularly in the tail and dorsal fin. Their body color can vary slightly depending on their environment, but they typically have a shimmering metallic appearance.
• Lifespan: They can live for around 3 to 5 years in captivity, depending on their care.

Behavior and Social Needs:

• Temperament: Buenos Aires Tetras are generally peaceful but can be a bit more active and sometimes nippy compared to other tetras. It’s best to keep them in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals, as they are social and feel more secure when schooling.
• Activity: These tetras are quite active swimmers, often darting around the tank. They can sometimes be a bit more aggressive towards smaller, slower fish, so it’s best to keep them with similarly sized species.
• Tankmates: They generally do well with other peaceful species, such as other tetras, barbs, or peaceful cichlids. However, their activity level might make them less compatible with extremely slow-moving fish or long-finned species that might be harassed.

Habitat and Water Conditions:

• Water Parameters: Buenos Aires Tetras are adaptable and hardy, thriving in a range of water conditions. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5), with a temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C), and moderate hardness (6–15 dGH).
• Tank Setup: They enjoy well-planted aquariums, but they are also known to nibble on soft-leaved plants, so choose sturdy plants that can withstand some nibbling. A tank with a mix of plants, rocks, and open swimming space is ideal. Providing some hiding places or shaded areas can make them feel more secure.

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Buenos Aires Tetras are omnivores and will accept a wide variety of foods. Their diet can include high-quality flake foods, pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms, and live foods like mosquito larvae.
• Vegetable Matter: They also enjoy plant matter, so providing them with blanched vegetables like spinach or occasional algae wafers can be a beneficial addition to their diet.

Reproduction:

• Buenos Aires Tetras are egg scatterers. To breed them successfully, a separate breeding tank with slightly acidic water and gentle filtration is recommended. Spawning usually takes place in the early morning hours, and the parents should be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• The eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and the fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to consume normal-sized food.

Care Tips:

• Water Quality: Regular water changes are crucial to maintaining a healthy environment. While Buenos Aires Tetras are hardy, they still thrive in stable, clean water.
• Lighting: They do well under moderate lighting, and adding floating plants can give them some shaded areas to retreat to if needed.
• Aggression: While generally peaceful, Buenos Aires Tetras can display some territorial behavior or nipping tendencies, especially during breeding or if not kept in groups. Ensure there are plenty of places for them to swim and explore to reduce stress.

Summary:

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a colorful, active, and hardy fish that can thrive in a variety of aquarium setups. While they do well in peaceful community tanks, they should be kept in groups and may require more robust tankmates due to their lively nature. With proper care, including maintaining stable water conditions and offering a varied diet, Buenos Aires Tetras can live happily for several years in your aquarium.