As the name suggests, the X-ray tetra has an almost transparent body which can give this little fish the appearance of an X-ray photograph. The beautiful colour spots on the fins make this fish captivating when in a school. This tetra has a natural tolerance to a wide variety of water parameters, which makes it an excellent choice for the beginner. The X-ray is also very peaceful and tolerant of other community fish.
Species – X-Ray Tetra – Pristella Maxillaris
Current Size – 1.5cm – 2cm
Adult Length – 4cm
Temperature Range – 22 – 28 °C
pH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
Special Requirements - Best kept in a heavily-planted arrangement with a dark substrate and floating plants to diffuse the lighting. If maintained in sparse surroundings it will not develop its best colours.
Tanks Mates and Compatibility - It’s a very peaceful species that won’t compete well with very boisterous or much larger tankmates. Ideally keep it with other South American species, such as other small tetras, pencil fish, hatchet fish, dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma, Corydoras and small Loricariids.
In a more general community it can be combined with smaller rasboras, barbs, livebearers, loaches, Anabantoids and West African dwarf cichlids such as Pelvicachromis species.
Ideal Number to Keep - Always buy a group of at least 6 of these, preferably 10 or more. It’s a shoaling species by nature, and will fare much better when in the company of its own kind. Like most tetras it actually looks far more effective when maintained like this anyway.
Feeding - A micropredator, it feeds mainly on small invertebrates in nature. In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia or Artemia
We recommend:
Please note – Some images used are library photos and will show the colour potential at a fully mature size, as our fish are juveniles they may vary.
We always aim to supply the fish as close to the purchase size as possible. On rare occasions if this is not possible we will contact you.
The fish are selected at random however you are welcome to make a note on the order and the fish manager will do his best for you, requests are dependent on stock at the time of your order.
