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Bucktooth Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
📍 South America
The Bucktooth Tetra is an aggressive, predatory tetra known for its large teeth and cannibalistic behavior toward smaller fish. Despite its challenging temperament, it is a visually striking species with a silvery body and distinctive dental features. This species requires experienced aquarists who can manage its aggressive nature and provide appropriate tankmates.
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Care Guide
Diet
Bucktooth Tetras are strictly carnivorous and require live or frozen foods such as small fish, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, as they are active predators. They will readily consume smaller tankmates, so feeding frequency and portion size are critical to minimize aggression.
Behavior
Bucktooth Tetras are highly aggressive, predatory fish that exhibit cannibalistic behavior within their own school. They are active swimmers that patrol the middle water column constantly. These fish should only be kept in species-specific or carefully managed community tanks with large, robust tankmates that cannot fit in their mouths.
Breeding
Breeding Bucktooth Tetras in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions and large breeding tanks with dense vegetation. Fry are difficult to raise due to the parents' aggressive nature and the fry's small size, making them vulnerable to predation.
Tank Mates
Similar size but may be targeted; only in large groups
Larger tetra that can hold its own but requires careful monitoring
Nocturnal and armored; less likely to be targeted
Large cichlid that can coexist but may compete aggressively
Similar size and schooling behavior; robust enough to avoid predation
Large enough to avoid predation but may be harassed
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), add aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons), perform daily water changes, use ich medication if symptoms persist
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce aggression by increasing tank size, use antibacterial medication, ensure proper nutrition
Mouth Fungus (Columnaris)
White or grayish coating around mouth and gills, difficulty feeding, rapid breathing
Isolate affected fish, improve water quality, use antibacterial or antifungal medication, maintain optimal water parameters
Stress-Related Diseases
Loss of color, reduced appetite, erratic swimming, increased aggression
Reduce tank stocking density, provide hiding places, minimize disturbances, ensure adequate feeding, maintain stable water parameters
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Quick Facts
- diet
- carnivore - feeds on small fish, insects, and meaty foods
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 6 cm (2.4 in)
- tank size
- 40 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)