Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Also sold as Albino Buenos Aires tetra
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 61–82°F (16–28°C) and pH 5.5–8.5, is kept in groups of 8 or more, and needs a tank of at least 81 L (21 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
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At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 81 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | 8 or more |
| Temperature | 61–82°F (16–28°C) |
| pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Buenos Aires Tetra needs at least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- Keep 8 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Axolotl and Oscar: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 61–82°F (16–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It nips fins, so long-finned fish are a bad match.
- It eats most plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 8 takes up roughly 81% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Buenos Aires Tetra: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
How many should I keep?
8 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
61–82°F (16–28°C), pH 5.5–8.5.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Buenos Aires Tetra | Bleeding Heart Tetra | Black Phantom Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 6 cm | 4.5 cm |
| Min tank | 81 L | 81 L | 60 L |
| Group | 8+ | 8+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 61–82°F (16–28°C) | 70–82°F (21–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | — | Yes |