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Freshwater fishExodonus Tetra
Exodonus Tetra
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The bucktooth tetra, or simply exodon, should be kept in a small school with larger aggressive species. In the wild this fish likes to school around the teeth of larger piranhas and pick at the meat in their teeth. The bucktooth tetra, or exodon tetra, will eat smaller, less aggressive fish. These are one of the few tetras with visible teeth.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Exodon paradoxus |
| Origin | Amazon and Tocantins basins (Brazil, Guyana) |
| Care Level | Moderate (species tank only) |
| Temperament | Very aggressive (scale-eater; attacks other fish) |
| Adult Size | Up to 5–6" |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
| Diet | Carnivore (meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 72–80°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1½–2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: These are larger, active schooling fish, so give them open swimming space, plants or driftwood along the back and a tight-fitting lid, since they jump.
Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: They do well with other active, similar-size fish such as larger tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids, corydoras and plecos. Very small fish may be eaten or bullied.
Good to know: Larger tetras are hardy and long-lived, and a big school makes a striking display.
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