Bucktooth Tetra

Exodon paradoxus

Bucktooth Tetra is a middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 15+.

AggressiveMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 15+Intermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in)
Aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 22–27 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 15+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bucktooth Tetra is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Keep in a school of 15+.

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. Keep in a school of 15+.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Guyana, Colombia.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a school of 15+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue-purple Croaking Tetra Mimagoniates barberi Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4 cm (≤ 1.6 in) 20–24 °C Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 24–28 °C Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Blue Tetra Tyttocharax cochui Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2 cm (≤ 0.8 in) 23–26 °C Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 24–28 °C Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Bucktooth Tetra get?

Bucktooth Tetra reaches ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in).

What aquarium size does Bucktooth Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) 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 22 to 27 °C.

Should Bucktooth Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Bucktooth Tetra: Keep in a school of 15+.