How difficult is it to keep Bucktooth tetra?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Bucktooth tetra?

The ideal temperature for Bucktooth tetra is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Bucktooth tetra get?

Bucktooth tetra typically reaches Up to 7.5 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Bucktooth tetra?

Bucktooth tetra feeds on: Carnivore (frozen bloodworm, prawns, mussels, prepared foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Bucktooth tetra?

The price of Bucktooth tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bucktooth tetra

Intermediate

Exodon paradoxus

A South American scale-eating characin, silvery with two large black spots and red fins. Highly aggressive and unsuited to community tanks, it should be kept in a large species-only group.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

23〜28℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 7.5 cm SL (FishBase)

Diet

Carnivore (frozen bloodworm, prawns, mussels, prepared foods)

About

Exodon paradoxus, the bucktooth tetra, is the only species in its genus and occurs in the Amazon and Tocantins basins, also known from the Rio Branco in Guyana (FishBase, Seriously Fish). FishBase gives 7.5 cm SL. It is silvery with two large black spots and reddish fins, and is often found in sandy rivers flowing through savannah-like grassland. Its uniquely shaped teeth let it rip scales from other fish, and wild stomach contents are mostly insects and scales. In captivity it needs no live fish and accepts frozen and even dried foods. Because it relentlessly attacks silvery or shiny fish, stripping scales and fins, it cannot be kept in a normal community. Small groups pick each other off, so a group of at least a dozen, ideally 25-50, bought all at once, is recommended. In Japan it is sold by specialist shops as a curiosity for its scale-eating habit.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Bucktooth tetra

The Bucktooth tetra grows to Up to 7.5 cm SL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Bucktooth tetra

The ideal temperature for the Bucktooth tetra is 23〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Amazon and Tocantins basins, Guyana)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 7.5 cm SL (FishBase)

Temperature

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Exodon paradoxus Müller & Troschel, 1844

Synonyms: Epicyrtus exodon Valenciennes, 1850, Epicyrtus paradoxus (Müller & Troschel, 1844), Hystricodon paradoxus (Müller & Troschel, 1845)

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.