The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a peaceful, very active fish for the community aquarium. This unique species is widespread throughout the Amazon River basin drainage and is known for its distinctive transparent body, deep red tail, and yellow/black fins. It is very adaptable, so it is an excellent candidate for a variety of planted and community aquarium settings.
The X-Ray Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish as well as peaceful dwarf and Geophagus cichlids. Adult dwarf shrimp are possibly safe tankmates as well, but adult X-Ray Tetras may eat small dwarf shrimp and their fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tank mates. This fish must be kept in groups of at least 6-8 specimens.
While not a picky eater, the X-Ray Tetra will thrive and remain very colourful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted.
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:
- Temperature: 72° - 82.4° F (22° - 28° C)
- pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (more acidic water is preferred for spawning)
- KH: 2 - 20 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 15-20 gallons for a group of 6-8 adults
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry, frozen, and live foods
- Social behaviour: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.
The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a peaceful, very active fish for the community aquarium. This unique species is widespread throughout the Amazon River basin drainage and is known for its distinctive transparent body, deep red tail, and yellow/black fins. It is very adaptable, so it is an excellent candidate for a variety of planted and community aquarium settings.
The X-Ray Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish as well as peaceful dwarf and Geophagus cichlids. Adult dwarf shrimp are possibly safe tankmates as well, but adult X-Ray Tetras may eat small dwarf shrimp and their fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tank mates. This fish must be kept in groups of at least 6-8 specimens.
While not a picky eater, the X-Ray Tetra will thrive and remain very colourful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted.
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:
- Temperature: 72° - 82.4° F (22° - 28° C)
- pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (more acidic water is preferred for spawning)
- KH: 2 - 20 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 15-20 gallons for a group of 6-8 adults
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry, frozen, and live foods
- Social behaviour: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.