Bucktooth Tetra — a Characidae from 南美洲, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 5.6–8.2 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 23–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH hardness
4–16 dGH
Adult length
5.6–8.2 cm
Minimum tank
81 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Exodon paradoxus, a member of the family Characidae, is native to 南美洲. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 5.6–8.2 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–28 °C at pH 5.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully