Buenos Aires tetra

Common name Buenos Aires tetra Picture of Buenos Aires Tetra

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Hemigrammus anisitsi

Synonyms Hemigrammus caudovittatus (junior synonym)

Size 3" (7.5cm), but larger sometimes reported.

Origin South America: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay

Tank setup At least 3ft/90cm, with plenty of open swimming space. If live plants are used, they should be tougher varieties, as this species will often eat softer-leaved plants.

Compatibility Normally peaceful, but may show some aggression towards smaller or more timid species. This is less likely to occur when kept in a shoal of their own kind.

Temperature 18-28^oC (64-82^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, thrives in a range of conditions as long as extremes are avoided.

Feeding Omnivorous: dry foods such as flake and granular foods supplemented with live/frozen foods, and a vegetable component.

Sexing Males slimmer, often with more vivid colours.

Breeding A fairly easy fish to breed. Use a temperature in the middle to upper end of the range quoted above. Spawning takes place over plants and the eggs hatch in about a day.

Comments This is a hardy fish which will tolerate a range of conditions and is hence often recommended for beginners. A tank partially planted with hardy plants is recommended, as they may nibble more delicate plants. This is an active shoaling species which grows a little larger than many tetras, and therefore requires a little more swimming space. A colour variant exists in which the caudal fin is lemon-yellow.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Buenos Aires tetra	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Hemigrammus anisitsi
Synonyms	Hemigrammus caudovittatus (junior synonym)
Size	3" (7.5cm), but larger sometimes reported.
Origin	South America: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay
Tank setup	At least 3ft/90cm, with plenty of open swimming space. If live plants are used, they should be tougher varieties, as this species will often eat softer-leaved plants.
Compatibility	Normally peaceful, but may show some aggression towards smaller or more timid species. This is less likely to occur when kept in a shoal of their own kind.
Temperature	18-28^oC (64-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, thrives in a range of conditions as long as extremes are avoided.
Feeding	Omnivorous: dry foods such as flake and granular foods supplemented with live/frozen foods, and a vegetable component.
Sexing	Males slimmer, often with more vivid colours.
Breeding	A fairly easy fish to breed. Use a temperature in the middle to upper end of the range quoted above. Spawning takes place over plants and the eggs hatch in about a day.
Comments	This is a hardy fish which will tolerate a range of conditions and is hence often recommended for beginners. A tank partially planted with hardy plants is recommended, as they may nibble more delicate plants. This is an active shoaling species which grows a little larger than many tetras, and therefore requires a little more swimming space. A colour variant exists in which the caudal fin is lemon-yellow.