****, Its a Bucktoothed Tetra!!!

hermxl1

hermxl1

Loud Tank Pumps Really Suck!!!
May 3, 2004
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I got these tetras from PetSmart about 2 months ago. I only wanted 2 but they gave me the last one for free so I didn't complain. They called them Spotted Tetras or something like that, and that they were semi aggresive.

Well since they've been in my tank they've reeked havoc on the rest of the community. Mainly the smaller fish. So I've been trying to read up on them but could never find them by name. So while I was poking around on here I came across a pic of the fish and it turns out that they are Bucktooth Tetras, the scourge of the sea... :)

These lil buggers have killed a red eyed tetra and 2 tequilla sunrise guppies. These were all smaller than them so it makes sense.

They have settled down a bit since then with their tank mates, but be careful what you buy at your LFS and make sure you know what you're getting.
 
Are you talking about Exodon Tetras? Yep, the little buggers are mean, but I like them. lol I wouldn't mind having a tank dedicated to a good sized school of them. You can tell they're mean just by looking at them! It's a pretty good rule of thumb that if you can see it's teeth you shouldn't put it in with guppies. lol
 
Oooh, not good!

For those who may look this thread up when searching for info. in the future, here is a profile I wrote up for them for another site:

Scientific Name -Exodon Paradoxus
Temp 73-80F
pH 6.5-7.5
Size: 3.5"
The Bucktooth tetra, is a very aggressive fish that must not be kept with other fish, making them suitable solely for species-only aquariums. They have been known to attack even full grown oscars. Due to their aggressive behavior, this species must be kept in groups of 10-12, at a bare minimum. Otherwise, they have been known to kill each other. Groups of 15-20+ are recommended. The dissection of the stomachs of wild specimens furnished bellies full of partly digested scales from other fish; the Bucktooth tetra is notorious for eating the scales directly off of other species. In the aquarium, they will accept live worms, small live feeder fish, frozen foods and sometimes flake foods. The caudal fin of this species is yellow, while the other fins are reddish. These silvery fish have two very distinct black spots, one is at the base of the tail and the other is on their back, in front of the dorsal fin. Males tend to be thinner than the females and have longer dorsal and anal fins. Breeding is considered very difficult. Known to eat aquarium plants. Other scientific names for this fish that are sometimes used are Hystricodon paradoxus, Epicyrtus paradoxus and Epicyrtus exodon. Note: Due to a common misconception, some people falsely believe that this species can be kept as tankmates for Piranhas. However, young Piranhas are likely to be attacked or devoured by Exodon paradoxus and any Bucktooth tetras that are placed with adult Piranhas will quickly become a food source.
 
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That so funny Leopardess. The 3 I have actually seem to play together but the bigger one accerts himself when ready. During feeding, (and to thie point I've only been really been feeding them flakes) the get so fenzied and move so quickly that they scare off other fish. But they have not been out and out attacking the rest of the community. The red eye tetra that I have left has a hiding spot and he stays out of their way. The rest mind their own business.

My 2 clown loaches would attempt to school with them at first, but finally gave up on that idea and the larger loach would defend the smaller one early on. Now they all leave each other alone.
 
Originally posted by Aquatick
It's a pretty good rule of thumb that if you can see it's teeth you shouldn't put it in with guppies. lol
Click to expand...


Funny, but I can see any teeth in their mouths..... I agree, that would have been a sign. These are still only about 1 - 1.5" long so maybe the teeth are still too small to see.
 
They will at some point.

Do a google search. These guys carry quite a reputation:)
 
Originally posted by Leopardess
They will at some point.

Do a google search. These guys carry quite a reputation:)
Click to expand...

I already did, that's how I figured out what they were in the first place.

The descriptions I've been reading of them makes feel like I'm dealing with a Texas or a Jack Dempsey. I'm like, "What have I done to my nice lil PEACEFUL community?!?!?!


I think it will be fine though. Everything else in the tank should outgrow them except the Red Eye.....
 
I honestly advise you to take them back. They are truly not community fish. There is a reason they've got all those profiles about them. You may be lucky for now that yours are young (though they have already killed some of your fish). I can almost guarantee you, your other fish will be harmed because of them. They are extremely nippy and eat the scales right off of the fish.

*Shrug*
 
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