Buenos Aires Tetra

Tank Setup:

1. Tank Size:

   • A 20-gallon tank or larger is suitable for a small school of Buenos Aires Tetras. Larger tanks allow for better swimming space and more natural behavior.

2. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).

   • pH: 6.5-7.5.

   • Hardness: 5-20 dGH.

3. Filtration:

   • Use a reliable filtration system to maintain water quality. Buenos Aires Tetras can tolerate a range of water conditions but appreciate clean water.

4. Substrate and Decor:

   • Provide a substrate of fine gravel or sand.

   • Include live or artificial plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding places and to simulate their natural habitat.

   • Buenos Aires Tetras may appreciate some floating plants to diffuse light.

Diet:

1. Omnivorous Diet:

   • Offer a balanced diet with high-quality flakes or pellets.

   • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small insects.

   • These tetras are not picky eaters and usually accept a variety of foods.

2. Feeding Schedule:

   • Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day. Ensure they consume the food within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding.

Tankmates:

1. Peaceful Community Fish:

   • Buenos Aires Tetras are generally peaceful but can be slightly nippy, especially during feeding. Avoid keeping them with long-finned or slow-moving fish.

   • Suitable tankmates include other tetras, barbs, danios, rasboras, and other peaceful community fish.

2. Schooling Behavior:

   • Keep them in a group of at least 6 individuals. They exhibit more natural behavior and are less stressed when kept in a school.

Health and Maintenance:

1. Observation:

   • Regularly observe your Buenos Aires Tetras for signs of illness, stress, or aggression.

   • Perform routine water changes (about 20-30% every 2 weeks) to maintain water quality.

2. Quarantine:

   • Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.

Breeding:

1. Separate Breeding Tank:

   • If you want to breed Buenos Aires Tetras, set up a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.

   • Condition breeding pairs with a varied diet, including live and frozen foods.

2. Egg Scattering:

   • Buenos Aires Tetras are egg scatterers. Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.

   • Provide a low light environment to encourage spawning.

Behavior:

1. Active Swimmers:

   • Buenos Aires Tetras are active swimmers. Ensure they have enough open space for swimming.

2. Nipping Behavior:

   • Watch for any signs of aggressive or nipping behavior, especially if the tank is overcrowded or if they feel stressed.