All fish / Characidae

Bucktooth Tetra

Exodon paradoxus

Also known as bucktooth tetra, buck tooth tetra, exodon, exodon tetra, bucktoothed tetra, エクソドン, 龅牙脂鲤

A sleek silvery tetra with a yellowish sheen, red-tinged fins and two bold black spots, one by the tail and one behind the gill. It is kept for its striking looks and very active, bold behaviour, but it is best known as a scale eater that nips at other fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Large group of 10 or more to spread aggression

Diet

Carnivore: insects, bloodworm, prawn, mysis and quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Essequibo basins: Brazil and Guyana

Breeding

It scatters eggs over plants or the substrate in soft, slightly acidic water with no parental care. Spawning has been achieved in captivity, but adults eat the eggs and fry, so they must be removed afterwards.

Good to know

Scales and fins of tankmates are eaten, so keep it alone in a big group or with large, robust fish; small groups fight among themselves. Use a tight lid as it jumps.