Buenos Aires Tetra Care: A Complete Guide

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a small, colorful freshwater fish. It comes from South America. This fish is active and easy to care for. It fits well in tanks with other peaceful fish.

In this guide, you will learn how to care for it. We cover its size, lifespan, tank setup, feeding, breeding, and more. We also answer common questions. This will help you provide your fish with a healthy home.

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Overview

Buenos Aires Tetra Size 

The Buenos Aires Tetra grows to about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length. They have a silver body with red-tipped fins and a distinctive black cross-shaped marking near the tail.

• Males: Slimmer and brighter in color.
• Females: Rounder, especially when carrying eggs.

Lifespan

With proper care, these fish can live 3–5 years. Factors affecting their lifespan include:

• Water quality (regular water changes)
• Balanced diet (varied nutrition)
• Tank mates (avoid aggressive species)

Tank Size & Setup

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 64–82°F (18–28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: 5–25 dGH
• Filtration: Moderate to strong flow

Tank Decorations

• Plants: Hardy species like Java Fern or Anubias (they may nibble soft plants).
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
• Lighting: Moderate (they prefer some shaded areas).

School Size & Tank Mates

Buenos Aires Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more.

Good Tank Mates

• Other tetras
• Danios
• Barbs
• Cory catfish
• Larger rasboras

Avoid These Fish

• Fish with long fins (they may nip at them)
• Very small fish (they may get eaten)
• Aggressive cichlids

Feeding Buenos Aires Tetras

They are omnivores and eat a variety of foods:

Feeding Tip: Offer small portions 2–3 times a day (only what they can eat in 2 minutes).

Male vs Female Differences

Breeding Buenos Aires Tetras

Breeding them is relatively easy:

1. Set up a separate breeding tank (10–20 gallons).
2. Condition with live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp).
3. Use fine-leaved plants for egg laying.
4. After spawning, remove adults (they may eat eggs).
5. Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours, fry become free-swimming in 3–4 days.

Eggs: Females scatter 300–500 eggs, which hatch within 2 days.

Final Thoughts

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a tough, lively, and colorful fish. It brings excitement to any tank. These fish are easy to care for, but they need a large tank to swim in. They also prefer to be in groups. Keep the water clean, feed them well, and choose friendly tank mates. With proper care, they will thrive for years.

Do you want these fish in your tank? Tell us below!

FAQs

1. Are Buenos Aires Tetras aggressive?

They are generally peaceful but can be fin nippers if kept in small numbers or with slow-moving fish. Keeping them in a school of 6+ reduces aggression.

2. Are Buenos Aires Tetras peaceful?

Yes, when kept in proper groups and with suitable tank mates. They may chase each other but rarely cause harm.

3. How many Buenos Aires Tetras can be kept in a 10-gallon tank?

A 10-gallon tank is too small for Buenos Aires Tetras due to their size and activity level. A 20-gallon tank is the minimum for a small school.

4. Will Buenos Aires Tetras eat small fish?

Yes, they may eat very small fish (e.g., Neon Tetras, Guppy fry) if given the opportunity. Avoid keeping them with tiny species.

5. How to tell the gender of a Buenos Aires Tetra?

Males are slimmer with brighter colors, while females are rounder, especially when full of eggs.