Can Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)

Exodon paradoxus

Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)

Danio margaritatus

🐠Family Group
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Characins
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Highly Aggressive (9/10)
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
23–28°C
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
5.5–7.5
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
1–15
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Freshwater Only
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Moderate
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
200 L
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
MiddleTop
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesFin NipperPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerEye Biter (Attacks slow moving fish)Jumper (Lid Required)
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) may occasionally assert dominance over Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There are critical concerns: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Additionally, the Eye Biter (Attacks slow moving fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed) trait of the other — eye biters attack slow-moving fish, risking permanent injury..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) or Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) aggressive?

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is highly aggressive (9/10) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) and Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) nip Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)'s fins?

Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is a known fin nipper. If Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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