The Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris), also known as the X-Ray Tetra, is a popular and adaptable freshwater fish known for its semi-transparent body and striking tri-colored fins—yellow, black, and white. At 3cm, these small but active fish are a fantastic addition to community aquariums, especially for beginners due to their resilience and ease of care. Native to the soft, slightly acidic waters of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, Pristella Tetras are peaceful, social fish that thrive in planted tanks and get along well with a wide variety of tank mates.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Pristella maxillaris

• Common Names: Pristella Tetra, X-Ray Tetra, Golden X-Ray Tetra

• Size: ~3cm (can grow up to 4.5–5cm)

• Lifespan: 4–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco River basins)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Pristella Tetras are highly adaptable and tolerate a wide range of water conditions:

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–8.0

• Hardness: 5–20 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons for a school

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate flow with good oxygenation

• Lighting: Moderate (enhances their silvery, translucent appearance)

Ideal for planted tanks with open swimming areas and gentle flow.

🐟 Tank Mates

Thanks to their peaceful and social nature, Pristella Tetras make excellent community fish.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Other small tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, Glowlight)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus

• Guppies, platies, and mollies

• Peaceful dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma)

• Shrimp and snails (larger species to avoid accidental nipping)

Avoid:

• Aggressive or large predatory fish

• Fin-nippers or fast, territorial species

They should always be kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and promote natural behavior.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Pristella Tetras are omnivores and undemanding when it comes to food:

• High-quality tropical flakes or micro pellets

• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms

• Crushed freeze-dried options

• Occasional vegetable flakes or spirulina for variety

Feed once or twice daily, with portions they can consume in 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform regular water changes (20–30% weekly)

• Keep parameters stable to prevent stress

• Use a lid—these active swimmers may jump

• Ensure enough swimming space and mild current

• Watch for common health signs (clamped fins, faded color) as early stress indicators

Their hardy nature and disease resistance make them ideal for novice aquarists.

🌿 Why Choose the Pristella Tetra?

The Pristella Tetra is the perfect combination of beauty, peace, and durability. With its semi-transparent body, vibrant tri-colored fins, and shoaling behavior, it adds a lively and colorful touch to any freshwater aquarium. Easy to care for and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it’s an excellent fish for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Add the bright and peaceful Pristella Tetra to your community aquarium today!