X-Ray Tetra tank mates
Pristella maxillaris
5 rated pairings from the X-Ray Tetra care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. X-Ray Tetra needs at least 15 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
3 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful algae eater with identical water parameter tolerance; occupies bottom zone without competition
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful
Similar size, temperament, and water requirements; creates striking visual contrast with schooling behavior
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
15 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful schooling fish with overlapping habitat preferences and compatible water chemistry needs
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche; X-Rays may occasionally nip at shrimp
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible water parameters; may compete for food but generally non-aggressive
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.