X-ray tetra (Pristella maxillaris)

Scientific name: Pristella maxillaris Ulrey, 1894

X-ray tetra (Pristella maxillaris)

The X-ray tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Inland waters of Venezuela, Guyana, and Amazonia Brazil.

X-ray tetra care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
4–35 dGH (71–625 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, freeze-dried foods and frozen foods.

Biology

Humeral spot round and small, about the size of the pupil; the dorsal fin black spot is over lined with white and underlined with yellow, color patterns of pelvic and anal fins are symmetrical; adipose fin is hyaline.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pristella maxillaris
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
4.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: ? - 35 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon, Orinoco, and coastal river drainages of the Guianas.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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