
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Psalidodon anisitsi
A characin, silver with yellow-tinged fins and a conspicuous diamond-shaped black mark on the caudal peduncle. It takes anything from 16 to 28C and ranks among the hardiest of aquarium fishes, though it nips fins when kept in small numbers.
Psalidodon anisitsi is a characin found widely through the Parana and Uruguay systems in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. FishBase gives 13.2cm TL, calls it subtropical, notes that it also lives in ponds, and describes it as one of the hardiest tropical fishes for the home aquarium. Seriously Fish gives 6.0cm SL, 16-28C, pH 5.5-8.5, 1-20 dGH and a base of at least 90 by 30cm. It is commoner in smaller streams and tributaries than in the main channels, and also in floodplain lakes. The body is silver with yellow-tinged fins and a diamond-shaped black mark on the caudal peduncle. It adapts widely to both water and temperature, though it should not be held at the top of its range for long. It has a reputation for nipping fins, most noticeable when too few are kept or the tank is small, and rival males skirmish continually over females.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Buenos Aires Tetra grows to About 6cm (FishBase records 13.2cm TL).
The ideal temperature for the Buenos Aires Tetra is 16〜28℃.
Origin
South America (the Parana and Uruguay systems in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay)
Size
About 6cm (FishBase records 13.2cm TL)
Temperature
16〜28℃
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, flakes with plant or algal content
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 90 by 30cm, about 81 litres at 30cm depth. It is not particular about decor, though it colours better in a structured, planted tank. Filtration need not be powerful, but it appreciates some water movement.
Seriously Fish gives a very wide 16-28C, pH 5.5-8.5 and 1-20 dGH, but warns against holding it near the top of that temperature range for long periods. FishBase calls it subtropical and one of the hardiest tropical fishes for the home aquarium.
It has a reputation for nipping fins, but this shows mainly when too few are bought or space is limited. Keep a proper group alongside active fish of similar size and avoid long-finned or slow-moving species. Rival males skirmish continually over females and position in the group, so provide sight breaks.
In the wild it is taken to be a foraging omnivore, feeding mainly on worms, insects and zooplankton with smaller amounts of plant matter and organic detritus. It is easy to feed in the aquarium, but small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm plus flakes with plant or algal content keep it in better condition.
It is oviparous, and FishBase records that in captivity it spawns among plants with the eggs hatching usually in twenty to twenty-four hours. To spawn it, use a separate tank with fine-leaved plants and remove the adults once eggs appear.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. FishBase places it in Psalidodon and GBIF in Hyphessobrycon, so the name on a shop label may differ. It is hardy to a fault, which makes it easy to underestimate both its fin-nipping and the size it reaches.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Buenos Aires Tetra is 16〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Buenos Aires Tetra typically reaches About 6cm (FishBase records 13.2cm TL) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Buenos Aires Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, flakes with plant or algal content. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Buenos Aires Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026