A remarkably hardy and peaceful schooling fish, named for its translucent body that reveals its internal organs. Uniquely among tetras, it naturally inhabits both fresh and slightly brackish coastal waters in South America, making it incredibly adaptable to various aquarium conditions. An excellent choice for beginners.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The classic X-Ray Tetra featuring a clear body with striking black, yellow, and white banded dorsal and anal fins, finished with a red tail.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Translucent, Wild Type
Golden / Albino
A popular color morph lacking dark pigmentation. It features a golden/pinkish translucent body with pale fins and red eyes. Shares the same extreme hardiness as the standard form.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Pristella, Gold Pristella, Pink
Balloon
A selectively bred 'shortbody' mutation. Their compressed, rounded spine makes them weaker swimmers. They require gentler currents and are more prone to swim bladder issues.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Balloon Pristella, Shortbody
Top Tank Mates
Wrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
🟢Ideal Tank MatesJapanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
🟢Ideal Tank MatesLemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPenguin Tetra
Thayeria boehlkei
🟢Ideal Tank MatesPanda Garra
Garra flavatra
🟢Ideal Tank MatesDiamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
🟢Ideal Tank MatesX-Ray Tetra (Pristella) Care Guide Summary
The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella), scientifically known as Pristella maxillaris, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard, Golden / Albino, and Balloon. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the X-Ray Tetra (Pristella), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the X-Ray Tetra (Pristella) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About X-Ray Tetra (Pristella)
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Similar Species
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
A peaceful, schooling nano fish native to the Essequibo River basin in South America. They are famous for their translucent bodies and the striking iridescent neon-orange stripe running from snout to tail. They thrive in mature, planted aquariums with slightly soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
A stunning, deep-bodied tetra endemic to Lake Valencia in Venezuela. Named for the brilliant, iridescent scales on its flanks that sparkle like diamonds under the right lighting. They are highly active, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums. Males develop spectacular, flowing fins as they mature.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.