Can Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) Live Together?

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over X-Ray Tetra (Pristella).

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 137 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like X-Ray Tetra (Pristella).