Bucktooth Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Bucktooth Tetra is a middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 15.
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Need help with Bucktooth Tetra?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Middle to top swimmer
- Temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- GH
- 0–20 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a school of at least 15
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 0–20 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Bucktooth Tetra is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Feed varied meaty foods such as bloodworm, mussel, prawns and chopped fish; live tankmates are not required as food.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
- Make room for its social group.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Keep in a school of at least 15.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Brazil, Guyana, Colombia.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Bucktooth Tetra get?
Bucktooth Tetra reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).
What aquarium size does Bucktooth Tetra need?
Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Is Bucktooth Tetra peaceful?
Bucktooth Tetra should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.
What temperature is suitable for Bucktooth Tetra?
Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.
Should Bucktooth Tetra be kept alone or in a group?
Bucktooth Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 15.
