Bucktooth Tetra

A striking, silver and gold tetra with two black spots and teeth built for ripping scales from other fish. Only keep it as a large group on its own, because small groups turn on each other.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Not for a community tank, because it eats scales from other fish. Keep a large group of its own kind, at least 10, which spreads out the aggression. Very large, robust fish are the only possible tankmates.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

A scale-eating predator that may nip tank mates when hungry. Feed generous meaty meals of frozen bloodworm, mysis and krill with pellets, and keep it in a large group.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.