Easy careSemi-aggressiveSchool of 6+Americas / Africa

Arabian Toothcarp

Cyprinodontiformes sp.

The Arabian Toothcarp (Cyprinodontiformes sp.) is a semi-aggressive fish that's easy to keep. Give it a tank of at least 115 litres (30 US gallons), water held at 59-86°F, and a pH of 6.8-8.2. Always keep a group of at least 6 - they feel safest in numbers.

Care levelEasy

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

Min tank size30 US gal

pH range6.8-8.2

Temperature59-86°F

Max size2.8 in (7.0 cm)

Captive lifespan2-5 years

SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Americas / Africa (varies)

Africa
South America
Central America & Mexico

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Arabian Toothcarp Tank Setup

A tank of at least 115 litres (30 US gallons) at 59-86°F and pH 6.8-8.2 suits them well. Livebearers breed quickly, so plan for the fry and keep an eye on your male-to-female ratio. Always keep a group of at least 6 of their own kind - kept alone or in pairs they tend to turn shy, nippy, or wash out in colour.

What Do Arabian Toothcarps Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Arabian Toothcarp Tank Mates

Keep in groups of at least 6. The Arabian Toothcarp is semi-aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's a shoaling fish, so settle a group of 6 or more of its own kind before adding anything else - a stressed, lonely fish is far more likely to nip or hide. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Arabian Toothcarps Good for Beginners?

Often recommended to beginners, but only after the tank is cycled and you can keep a proper school - not three fish in a new setup.

Arabian Toothcarp - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Arabian Toothcarps need?

Arabian Toothcarps need a tank of at least 115 litres (30 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

How many Arabian Toothcarps should I keep together?

Keep a group of at least 6. Arabian Toothcarps are a shoaling species and become stressed, lose their colour, or hide when kept singly or in pairs.

What water parameters do Arabian Toothcarps need?

Keep them at 59-86°F with a pH of 6.8-8.2, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Arabian Toothcarps eat?

Arabian Toothcarps are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Arabian Toothcarps good for beginners?

Yes - Arabian Toothcarps are a good beginner choice once the tank is fully cycled and you can keep a proper group. They are hardy but still need stable water and a school to feel secure.

Common mistakes with Arabian Toothcarps

Buying fewer than 6 - Arabian Toothcarps need a proper school to feel secure; isolated individuals hide, fail to colour up, or become stressed.
Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 115 litres (30 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.