Do X-Ray Tetras need a heater?

Yes. X-Ray Tetras are tropical fish and require a stable water temperature between 24°C and 28°C, which is best achieved with a reliable aquarium heater.

Why are my X-Ray Tetras losing their fin colours?

Fading colours usually indicate stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, bullying from tankmates, an inadequate diet, or being kept in too small a group.

Can they live in brackish water aquariums?

Yes, they can tolerate slightly brackish conditions (up to SG 1.002) as they encounter these naturally in the wild. However, it is not strictly necessary for captive care, and they thrive entirely in freshwater.

How many X-Ray Tetras should I keep together?

They are a schooling species and should be kept in a minimum group of 6. However, larger groups of 10 or more are highly recommended, as the fish will feel more secure and display better schooling behaviour.

Are X-Ray Tetras fin nippers?

No, they are very peaceful and are rarely known to nip fins, making them excellent companions for long-finned fish like Gouramis and Guppies.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

X-Ray Tetra

Pristella maxillaris

The X-Ray Tetra, also known as the Pristella Tetra, is a hardy and peaceful schooling fish celebrated for its captivating translucent body.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 20 dGH
Salinity: 1 – 1.002 SG
Adult size: 4 – 5 cm
60L standard aquarium: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivorous
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with open swimming areas, ideally with a dark substrate.

About the X-Ray Tetra

Native to the coastal rivers of South America, Pristella maxillaris is an enduring favourite in the aquarium hobby. Its common name stems from its remarkably clear, scaleless-looking skin that reveals its internal silver swim bladder and spine. Paired with striking yellow, black, and white bands on its dorsal and anal fins, it provides a subtle yet fascinating aesthetic. They are incredibly adaptable and forgiving, making them a superb choice for both novices and seasoned aquarists.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check X-Ray Tetra against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where X-Ray Tetra comes from

Native range

Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin, Coastal rivers of the Guianas

Countries / regions

Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela

Habitat

Coastal rivers, heavily vegetated swamps, and occasionally mildly brackish estuaries.

They exhibit a remarkable tolerance for low salinity and are found closer to coastal river outflows than most other characins.

Similar species

Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Prionobrama filigera
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful bottom dwellers that will completely ignore the mid-water swimming tetras.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Similar in size and peaceful temperament, creating a harmonious and colourful mid-water community.
Great
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
A gentle, slow-moving labyrinth fish that appreciates the same peaceful community environment.
Great
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Although Pristella Tetras are relatively deep-bodied, very large adult Angelfish may occasionally predate on smaller juveniles.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Tiger Barbs can be overly boisterous and prone to fin-nipping, potentially stressing the more docile tetras.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large predatory cichlids will quickly view small tetras as a live food source.
Not recommended

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