Exodon Paradoxus ( Bucktooth tetra )
Exodon Paradoxus ( Bucktooth tetra )

Exodon Paradoxus ( Bucktooth tetra )

$7.00

Size: 1.25-2"

1.25-2"
Availability: In Stock Pre order Out of stock
Description

Exodon Tetra (Exodon paradoxus)


Also known as the bucktooth tetra, Exodon paradoxus is a highly aggressive and predatory schooling fish, very different from typical tetras. It’s best suited for species-only tanks or with robust tank mates that can handle their aggressive nature.

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Exodon paradoxus

Common Names: Bucktooth Tetra, Exodon Tetra

Family: Characidae

Origin: Found in South America, mainly in the Amazon and Tocantins River basins.

Appearance:

Slender, torpedo-shaped body with iridescent silver scales.

Two distinct black spots on the body—one near the midsection and one near the tail.

Bright red, orange, or yellow accents on the fins, depending on locality.

Their “bucktooth” name comes from their sharp, small teeth, which they use to rip scales off other fish.

Size:

Grows up to 5 inches (12 cm) in captivity.

Behavior & Temperament:

Highly aggressive, especially in small numbers.

Shoaling fish—must be kept in large groups (10+ fish) to prevent them from attacking each other.

Known for scale-eating behavior—they nip at the scales of other fish, which makes them incompatible with most community fish.

Constantly active, fast swimmers.

Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum for a small group (10+ fish); larger if keeping more.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)

pH: 5.5-7.5

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Filtration: Strong filtration is needed due to their high activity levels.

Aquascape:

Open swimming space with some driftwood, rocks, and hardy plants.

Avoid slow-growing plants as they may uproot them.

Diet:

Carnivorous, but will eat some plant-based foods.

Preferred foods:

Live/Frozen: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, small fish, chopped seafood.

Pellets/Flakes: High-protein pellets and flakes.

Occasional Treats: Crickets, mealworms.

Notorious for ignoring standard fish food in favor of live prey.

Tank Mates:

Best kept in species-only tanks due to their aggression.

If keeping with other fish, choose fast, aggressive species like:

Large Cichlids (e.g., Jack Dempsey, Convict, Green Terror)

Giant Danios

Large Barbs (Tinfoil, Clown Barbs)

Pike Cichlids

Arowanas (if tank size allows)

Avoid:

Small, peaceful fish (they will be attacked)

Slow-moving or long-finned species (they will be nipped)

Bottom dwellers like Corydoras or Plecos (they might get harassed)

Breeding:

Rarely bred in home aquariums due to their aggression.

Egg scatterers that require soft, acidic water.

Parents will eat their own eggs if not removed immediately.

Interesting Facts:

Unlike most tetras, Exodon paradoxus is a scale-eater (lepidophagous) in the wild, feeding on the scales of other fish.

Despite their aggression, they require large schools to feel safe—too few, and they will kill each other.

One of the few tetras that can hold their own in predatory fish setups.

 

Additional Information
Size

1.25-2"