Family: Characidae
Bucktooth Tetra — a Characidae from South America, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 5.6–8.2 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 23–28 °C.
Exodon paradoxus, a member of the family Characidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits blackwater streams and flooded forest. Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few and mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest, it grows to 5.6–8.2 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 23–28 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Small Corydoras.
A moderate-level species: gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 23–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.5–7.5, GH 4–16 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 5.6–8.2 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 81 litres.
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few; schools tightly; never keep below 6. Good company: Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully. Keep away from Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.
Its home waters are South America — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; no parental care. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.