Keeping buenos aires tetras with long-finned tankmates

[Corona]

Planning to get angelfish and I'm curious, will a school of Buenos Aires tetras be enough to deter fin nipping on them.

[coltin]

Buenos Aires tetras aren't suitable for tanks with long-finned or slow-moving fish, they'll likely nip at the fins.

[TankWarrior]

Planning to get angelfish and I'm curious, will a school of Buenos Aires tetras be enough to deter fin nipping on them.

I've had my fair share of Buenos Aires Tetras and I gotta tell you, they're a handful. I keep them in their own groups, no mixing with other fish. They're just too aggressive and will attack anything that's not one of their own kind. Doesn't matter how big the other fish is, they're not intimidated. Fin nipping is what they do best. For a tank, you'll need something with plenty of space for them to swim around, they're fast movers. And don't even get me started on the plants, you'll need something that can withstand their antics - Anubias, Java Fern, and Pennywort work well, and if you're feeling fancy, throw in some Water Lettuce.

[Corona]

I'll skip the Buenos Aires tetras then, red eye tetras might be a better fit for my angelfish.

[TankWarrior]

Another thought. Red Eye Tetras are a better fit. They're easy-going and generally hang out mid-tank. Having several is a good idea - six or more is ideal. They'll do well with most plants. Mine are a bit odd, they like the bottom of my 55-gallon tank. I've got taller driftwood and rocks down there, and some Anubias for cover. They seem to enjoy the shade. They're not as active as the Buenos Aires, but I like the color they add.

[sidthy]

I've had a different experience with these fish, I think their behavior is largely dependent on their overall contentment. I've kept both Buenos Aires and Red Eyes, and I've found the opposite to be true - my Buenos Aires tetras were never nippy, whereas my Red Eyes were quite fin nippy.

[TankWarrior]

I think a lot of it comes down to the tank's environment and the other fish you've got swimming around.

[sidthy]

I've found with Buenos Aires tetras, temperature plays a role too. They're tropical in summer, but subtropical in winter. So keeping them at tropical temperatures year-round might stress them out. Or maybe it just keeps their energy up, making nipping a way to release that excess energy. If they don't have room to swim, they might get nippy. And of course, having a big enough group - as far as the fish are concerned - might stop them from nipping.

[Lexat]

I've had a different experience with these fish, I think their behavior is largely dependent on their overall contentment. I've kept both Buenos Aires and Red Eyes, and I've found the opposite to be true - my Buenos Aires tetras were never nippy, whereas my Red Eyes were quite fin nippy.

That's really interesting, it refers to this on Seriously Fish, the temperature aspect and their natural habitat.

[coltin]

Red Eye Tetras can be fin nippers as well. If you're considering them, get a large group - 20 or more - and keep an eye on the other fish for fin damage.