Species profile
Buenos Aires Tetra
Psalidodon anisitsi
Semi aggressive
Easy care
120 L minimum aquarium
6–8 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Robust active tetra that can nip long fins and eat soft plants; best in a substantial shoal with similarly lively tankmates.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
15–27 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1
Fast, assertive schooling tetra. Group size helps but does not make it an ideal companion for slow or elaborate-finned fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
120 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Psalidodon anisitsi
Alternative names
Buenos Aires Tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi, Astyanax anisitsi
Native range
Paraná–Paraguay drainage region of South America, including Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil.
Natural habitat
Rivers, streams and associated floodplain waters across a broad subtropical range.
Diet & feeding
Opportunistic omnivore taking invertebrates and substantial plant material; soft aquarium plants are readily eaten.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are generally fuller/deeper-bodied when mature; males tend to be slimmer.
Breeding
Prolific egg scatterer; adults provide no parental care and may consume eggs.