Pristella maxillaris
Also called the X-ray tetra for its translucent body and the yellow-black-white triangle on each fin. Tougher than the neon tetra and tolerates a much wider water-parameter range, the right call for hard-water tap setups.
Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) reaches 4–5 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Amazon and Orinoco basins, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 4–5 years with good care. Keep pristella tetra in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Eats most things. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes (with adults).
Care at a glance
Also called the X-ray tetra for its translucent body and the yellow-black-white triangle on each fin. Tougher than the neon tetra and tolerates a much wider water-parameter range, the right call for hard-water tap setups.
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The parameters that decide whether pristella tetra fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 8+
Characidae
Omnivore
Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Eats most things.
4–5 yrs
Medium
Amazon and Orinoco basins
Amazon and Orinoco basins
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes (with adults). Plant safety: Yes.
Pristella Tetra are omnivore. Flake, micro pellets, frozen daphnia and bloodworm. Eats most things.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 4–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
