Buenos Aires Tetra

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a hardy, active tetra named for the capital of Argentina. Known for their robust nature and adaptability, these tetras are excellent beginner fish that tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They have a silver body with a distinctive red tail and dorsal fin. While generally peaceful, they can be nippy with long-finned tank mates and may eat delicate plants. They are best kept in schools of 6 or more with appropriate tank mates.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Buenos Aires Tetras are active swimmers that need open space and some plant cover.

Essential Setup:

• Open swimming area in center
• Hardy plants (avoid delicate species)
• Moderate filtration
• Temperature range 64-82°F

Water Quality

• Temperature: 64-82°F (18-28°C) - wide range tolerance
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (very adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Moderate (5-20 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Regular 25% weekly water changes maintain water quality.

Feeding

Omnivores with a plant preference:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms
• Vegetables: blanched spinach, lettuce
• They enjoy plant matter

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily.

Behavior & Compatibility

Active but can be nippy. Best with:

• Other fast-moving fish
• Danios, larger tetras, barbs
• Avoid long-finned slow fish

Avoid:

• Bettas, angelfish (nipping risk)
• Small shrimp (may be eaten)
• Delicate plants

Plant Considerations

• Will eat delicate plants like Cabomba, Hygrophila
• Use hardy plants: Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne
• Can be kept in planted tanks with appropriate plant selection

Schooling

Keep in groups of 6+ for best behavior and color display.

Breeding

Easy to breed:

• Scatter eggs in plants
• Remove adults after spawning
• Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours
• Feed fry infusoria