Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi)
The Buenos Aires Tetra is relatively peaceful, hardy, and active, making it an excellent choice for beginner hobbyists or community aquariums. These Tetras are durable and long-lived and do not have any special requirements or needs that have to be met for them to thrive.
It is essential to keep these species well-fed to prevent them from nipping at the long-finned tankmates. If they are retained in schools, fin-nipping will be reduced. But, unfortunately, they will also eat your live aquarium plants.
A silvery colour with neon highlights distinguishes the Buenos Aires Tetra. The anal and pelvic fins, as well as the bottom and top of the tail fin, are often red. There is also a tinge of red on the dorsal fin. A bold, black cross pattern appears on its caudal peduncle, which is its most distinctive feature. There is also an Albino version of this species.
Photos
Quick Facts | |
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Scientific Name | Hyphessobrycon anisitsi |
Year Described | 1907 |
Other Names | Diamond Spot Characin, Red Cross Fish |
Classification | Actinopterygii |
Order | Characiformes |
Family | Characidae |
Genus | Hyphessobrycon |
Origins | Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay |
Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Shoaling | Yes |
Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
Diet | Omnivore |
Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
Lifespan | up to 5 year |
Water Parameters | |
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Water Type | Freshwater |
PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
GH | 2 - 35 |
Temperature | |
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64 - 82℉ 17.8 - 27.8℃ |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Buenos Aires Tetra will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
The female is generally larger, fuller-bodied with a more rounded stomach, and the males tend to have more vivid, red fins, sometimes favouring towards yellow.