Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon paradox)

Though classically “Tetra-like” in appearance, the Bucktooth Tetra, also known as Exodon Paradox, is not the friendly community fish you typically associate with the name “Tetra.” In the wild, the diet of this predatory fish consists of insects and the scales of silvery fish, making this pugnacious piscine anything but community oriented!

This fast swimming and specialized scale eater features an attractive silvery-gray semi-transparent body with shades of chartreuse in its body along with two black splotches and hints of red in its fins. This simple yet pleasing appearance makes the Bucktooth Tetra a very appealing choice for many hobbyists. However, best care for the Bucktooth Tetra requires proper consideration and should be kept only by dedicated hobbyists willing to accommodate the unique needs of this fish.

The Bucktooth Tetra should be housed in a large, species-only aquarium of at least 55 gallons in size that is moderately planted with plenty of open swimming space. As it is a shoaling fish, the Bucktooth Tetra should be kept in a group of 12 or greater. If kept in smaller numbers, dispute over dominance can often erupt resulting in fish loss. High filtration is a must to properly maintain water quality in this densely stocked system.

In the wild, Bucktooth Tetras are egg layers and will scatter their eggs among fine leafed plants. However, there are few reports of successful breeding efforts in the home aquarium.

The Bucktooth Tetra will accept many meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp bloodworms and smaller pellet food.