Bucktoothed Tetra | Exodon paradoxus

Characins / Characinae / Bucktoothed Tetra

Profile: Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Exodon paradoxus
SYN: Epicyrtus exodon, E. paradoxus, Hystricodon paradoxus
PD: An elongated, laterally compressed species having a forked caudal fin. The body is yellow-silver with a yellow to green iridescence. A dark stripe runs from the gill cover to the caudal peduncle. The lower parts are dull yellow. The body is marked with two conspicuous black spots: one near the base of the dorsal fin, and another at the caudal peduncle. The fins are colorless except for the red base of the dorsal fin and first red rays of the anal fin.
SIZE: To 6" (15 cm)
SS: None
HAB: Inhabits small, moving streams in South America; Rio Branco, Rio Madeira, Rio Marmelo in Brazil and Guyana.
S: middle
TANK: A 40" (102 cm) or 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank is adequate, although larger tanks are preferred. The tank can be well-planted. A tight fitting cover is required.
WATER: pH 5.5-7.5 (6.5), 0-18 dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°F)
SB: A predatory species that should be kept singly or in schools of ten or more fish. Fish in smaller groups have a tendency to eat the scales and eyes of other fish. This species is not suggested for the typical community tank.
SC: Larger characins, Loricarids, Pimelodids, Cichlasomines
FOOD: Flake; pellet; live; fish, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans; chopped meat.
SEX: Females are plumper.
B: Use soft, peat-filtered water to initiate spawning. Eggs are scattered among plants, and the parents should be removed. The eggs hatch in 24-30 hours and the young can be fed micro-foods and Artemia nauplii. The young must be frequently sorted to prevent cannibalism.
BP: 8. Breeding is unusual.
R: A hardy species.
DC: 6. The hardy and predatory species is not suggested for most community tanks.