Buenos Aires Tetra: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do Buenos Aires tetras need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Psalidodon anisitsi.

How many Buenos Aires tetras in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Buenos Aires tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many Buenos Aires tetras
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	Too small
20 gallon long	Too small
29 gallon	up to 9
40 gallon breeder	up to 13
55 gallon	up to 18
75 gallon	up to 24
125 gallon	up to 40

Check Buenos Aires tetras against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Eats soft-leaved plants.
Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, Buenos Aires tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
It nips fins. Avoid slow tankmates with long, flowing fins.

Tank mates for Buenos Aires tetras

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Betta: Buenos Aires tetra nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat Buenos Aires tetra (about 2.8 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank do Buenos Aires tetras need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many Buenos Aires tetras should be kept together?

At least 6. Buenos Aires tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can Buenos Aires tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Buenos Aires tetra needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).

What temperature do Buenos Aires tetras need?

64–82 °F (18–28 °C), with a pH of 5.8–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can Buenos Aires tetras live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Buenos Aires tetra nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.