The Bucktoothed Tetra is a unique and beautiful shoaling Characin from tropical South American rivers and tributaries.

The body shape is typical of all tetras, except the jaws and teeth are heavier and more well-developed. The coloring and pattern are striking and unusual. There are 2 pairs of huge, black occellatus spots - one covering the caudal penduncle, and one just under the upper-back. The rest of the body is white-silver which is tanged with either violet-blue or violet-red. The fins are often pigmented with red or yellow.

These fish shoal in groups of no less than a dozen and no more than 50. Larger schools are often comprised of younger fish. Insatiable insectivores, they will tear apart any invertebrate unfortunate enough to fall in the water or get in their way. The jaws are strong enough, and the teeth (particularly the enscissors) sharp enough to bite a clean hole out of most organisms. A nip from a larger individual is capable of drawing blood.

Tank Setup

In the aquarium, bucktoothed tetras are best kept with other large characins, such as silver dollars and red-tailed characins. Catfish of all sizes also make good tankmates. They can only be kept with each other in groups of more than ten. If kept in groups smaller, there will be plenty of fighting and you will end up with a bunch of bucktoothed tetras missing fins and eyes. They damage fairly easily, so very aggressive tankmates are out of the question. An aquarium of 50 gallons designated to a shoal is the best way to go. They might even breed in this sort of situation.

Feeding

Give them food, and lots of it, in the form of live insects and worms. They require plentiful amounts (to put it in prospective, a 2" specimen can completely devour a full grown cricket bite by bite). Live fish are also avidly eaten. Once in a while it is good to give them vegetable matter in the form of oatmeal, or cucumber. The aquarium should have plenty of swimming space and areas of cover and shade. Do not keep these fish with other fish smaller than half their size, for they will surely be eaten bite by bite.

Water Chemistry

These Characins have no special requirements when it comes to water conditions. A neutral pH and common water temperature will suffice. They are hardy fish that thrive under most conditions.

Breeding

Breeding has only been accomplished several times in captivity and details are sketchy.