Home Article Library Fish Index Tank Setups Forum Site Map Site Search Links

Buenos Aires tetra

Common nameBuenos Aires tetra Picture of Buenos Aires Tetra

Picture of Buenos Aires Tetra

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific nameHemigrammus anisitsi
SynonymsHemigrammus caudovittatus (junior synonym)
Size3" (7.5cm), but larger sometimes reported.
OriginSouth America: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay
Tank setupAt 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.
CompatibilityNormally 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.
Temperature18-28oC (64-82oF)
Water chemistryNot critical, thrives in a range of conditions as long as extremes are avoided.
FeedingOmnivorous: dry foods such as flake and granular foods supplemented with live/frozen foods, and a vegetable component.
SexingMales slimmer, often with more vivid colours.
BreedingA 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.

 

Back to Home page
INDEX Anabantids Catfish Characins Cichlids Cyprinids Killifish Livebearers Rainbows Misc


The Tropical Tank Copyright © 2000-2008 Sean Evans This website was last updated on 18th January 2008