Pristella Tetra – X-Ray Tetra
The Pristella Tetra, also known as the X-Ray Tetra, is a hardy and peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its translucent body, active personality, and beginner-friendly care. Its see-through appearance gives it a unique look that stands out beautifully in planted and community aquariums.
Pristella Tetras are adaptable fish that can handle a wider range of water conditions than many delicate tetras, making them a great choice for new aquarists. They do best in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural schooling behavior.
Key Features
- Unique translucent “x-ray” body
- Hardy and beginner-friendly tetra
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Great for community aquariums
- Adaptable to a range of freshwater conditions
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Common Names: Pristella Tetra, X-Ray Tetra
- Scientific Name: Pristella maxillaris
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.8
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Pristella Tetras?
Pristella Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful, hardy schooling fish with a unique appearance. Their translucent bodies and active group behavior make them fun to watch without being aggressive or difficult to care for.
Because they are more adaptable than many sensitive schooling fish, Pristella Tetras are especially good for beginner community aquariums, planted tanks, and peaceful freshwater setups.
Ideal Tank Setup
Pristella Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds can help them feel secure while making their translucent bodies easier to see.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best behavior. Larger groups help reduce stress and create a more natural schooling display.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Pristella Tetras are omnivores and accept a wide variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flake food, micro pellets, small granules, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can eat quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Provide open swimming space with plants or decor for cover
- Use peaceful tankmates only
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pristella Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Pristella Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and peaceful, making them one of the better tetra choices for beginner community aquariums.
Why are they called X-Ray Tetras?
They are called X-Ray Tetras because of their translucent body, which gives them a see-through appearance.
How many Pristella Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Pristella Tetras peaceful?
Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish that do well with other calm freshwater community fish.
What do Pristella Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
Are Pristella Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They do well in planted aquariums and look great against live plants, driftwood, and darker aquarium backgrounds.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Pristella Tetras are hardy peaceful schooling fish for beginner aquariums, planted tanks, and freshwater community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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