The Albino Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a very pretty little characin. It's known as the X-Ray Fish because its silvery yellow body is quite transparent. The tail fin is either red or pink. This popular albino variety has also been developed that is more subdued in color overall, but has pink eyes and pink spots.
This popular aquarium fish is the only species in the Pristella genus, and all specimens available in the hobby are commercially bred. In nature the Pristella Tetra inhabits the northeastern coastal waters of South America. During the dry season it lives in streams and tributaries. Then during the rainy season, it moves with the rising waters onto the savannah, where it spawns among the flooded vegetation.
The Pristella Tetra is an excellent fish for the beginner. It is extremely hardy and undemanding and not at all choosy about water type. In nature, it is found in brackish water as well as soft water. It can even withstand very hard water, though it will do best in soft. A dark substrate and subdued lighting will show off the X-Ray Fish at its best and enhance its colors. However, this tetra will not get its full color in hard water or under bright light.
The Pristella Tetra is easy to keep in other respects as well. It is a peaceful community member and is a fairly prolific breeder, though the tiny fry can be tricky to rear. It's a very active schooling fish.
What We Like About This Fish:
- Distinctive colour and appearance
- Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
- Very active and noticeable fish in any aquarium
- Hardy and adaptable
- Thrives in a heavily planted aquarium
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
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Temperature: 72° - 82.4° F (22° - 28° C)
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pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (more acidic water is preferred for spawning)
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KH: 2 - 20 dKH
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Minimum tank size: 15-20 gallons for a group of 6-8 adults
CARE GUIDELINES:
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Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry, frozen, and live foods
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Social behaviour: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling
