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X-Ray Tetra
Pristella maxillaris
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characiformes›Characidae
📍 Amazon and Orinoco basins, Venezuela and Brazil
The X-ray tetra (also called the pristella tetra) has a nearly transparent body through which the spine and organs are clearly visible — hence the name. Its dorsal and anal fins are boldly banded in black, white, and yellow. It is an extraordinarily adaptable species that tolerates both soft acidic and hard alkaline water, making it one of the hardiest tetras available.
Care Guide
Diet
X-Ray Tetras are omnivores that thrive on high-quality flake foods and micro pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and promote optimal health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
X-Ray Tetras are active, peaceful schooling fish that exhibit constant motion in the mid-water column, creating dynamic visual interest in planted tanks. They are non-aggressive toward tankmates and show reduced stress and enhanced coloration when kept in groups of 8 or more. They are most active during dawn and dusk, displaying natural schooling behavior that makes them excellent community fish.
Breeding
Breeding X-Ray Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), dense vegetation or spawning mops, and careful separation of breeding pairs. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro pellets.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter tolerance; occupies bottom zone without competition
Similar size, temperament, and water requirements; creates striking visual contrast with schooling behavior
Peaceful schooling fish with overlapping habitat preferences and compatible water chemistry needs
Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche; X-Rays may occasionally nip at shrimp
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible water parameters; may compete for food but generally non-aggressive
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against decorations, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7–10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24–26°C
Neon Tetra Disease (Pleistophora)
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior, white spots along lateral line
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia if severely affected
Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)
Cottony growth on mouth and gills, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, fin deterioration
Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with antibacterial medication, maintain temperature at 24–26°C, improve water quality and reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – flake, micro pellets, frozen foods
- schooling
- 8+ recommended
- tank size
- 15 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful schooling fish – suitable for most communities
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.0
- hardness
- 5–20 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)