All fish / Characidae

X-ray tetra

Pristella maxillaris

Also known as x-ray tetra, xray tetra, pristella tetra, golden pristella tetra, water goldfinch, albino pristella, pristella riddlei, プリステラ, pristella, X光灯, 玻璃灯鱼

A small, semi-transparent tetra whose spine and organs can be seen through the body. The dorsal and anal fins carry a bold black and yellow patch with white tips, and the tail has a reddish tinge. It is hardy, tolerates a wide range of water and suits peaceful community tanks well.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal rivers of the Guianas (Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)

Breeding

An egg-scattering species that spawns among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, with no parental care. Breeding is fairly easy in a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water, but the adults should be removed afterwards as they will eat the eggs.

Good to know

Unusually for a tetra, it tolerates slightly brackish water in the wild. Keep it in a proper group, as lone or paired fish become nervous.