Bucktooth Tetra – Exodon paradoxus
The Bucktooth Tetra is a medium-sized, fascinating freshwater fish native to South America, recognized for its pronounced, sharp teeth and streamlined, silver-colored body with subtle orange highlights. Unlike most tetras, it has a unique predatory behavior, often nipping at slow-moving or long-finned tankmates, so it requires careful community selection. Its active swimming and unusual feeding habits make it a striking and unusual centerpiece in species-specific or carefully planned community tanks.
This species is moderate in care, requiring a spacious tank, robust water parameters, and attention to compatible tankmates.
Care Requirements
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Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum
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Temperature: 23–28 °C
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive, active, nippy
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Diet: Omnivore — high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods; provide plenty of hiding spots and distractive feeding to minimize nipping
Behavior & Compatibility
Bucktooth Tetras are active mid- to top-level swimmers. Best kept in schools of 6 or more to reduce aggression, they coexist well with:
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Fast, similarly sized tetras and barbs
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Robust cichlids (non-long-finned)
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Avoid slow, long-finned, or delicate fish that are prone to nipping
Tank Setup
A spacious, well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas, driftwood, and rocks is ideal. Moderate lighting, gentle to medium water flow, and stable water parameters help maintain health and natural behavior. Provide hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce stress and aggression.
A unique, active tetra with distinctive teeth and striking silver-orange coloration—best suited for species-specific or carefully managed community tanks.
