Pristella Tetra (X-Ray Tetra / Pristella maxillaris)

Quick Overview The Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris), also affectionately called the X-Ray Tetra, is native to the coastal river systems of South America. It is universally celebrated as one of the toughest, most resilient nano fish in the entire aquarium hobby. They feature a highly unique, semi-translucent silvery-gold body that allows you to faintly see their internal skeletal structure. What truly makes them stand out, however, are their beautifully ornamented dorsal and anal fins, which display high-contrast horizontal bands of pastel yellow, jet black, and stark white, capped off with a warm reddish-pink tail.

Tank Requirements & Local Care Tips

• Care Level: Beginner (Arguably the single most forgiving and durable tetra species available)

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 Gallons (Must be kept in schools of 6 or more to encourage confident, active swimming behavior)

• Water Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (Perfectly adapted to handle our local tropical climate variations)

• Temperament: Peaceful (An absolute model citizen that gets along flawlessly with Guppies, Platies, Rasboras, Corydoras, and adult Dwarf Shrimp)

Bacolod Hobbyist Tip: If you are setting up a brand-new aquarium or are a beginner worried about keeping delicate fish alive, the Pristella Tetra is your absolute best choice. Unlike many tetras that require strictly soft, acidic water, X-Ray Tetras are incredibly adaptable and will easily thrive in the naturally harder, alkaline tap water found here in Bacolod.

Because of their unique translucent bodies, they can blend into a bare tank layout. To make their colorful, striped fins and glassy bodies truly pop, house them against a dark background with plenty of live or silk aquarium plants. They are enthusiastic feeders that will happily gobble up premium tropical flakes, micro-pellets, and freeze-dried bloodworms.

Drop by our Bacolod pet shop today to pick up high-quality community fish food, water conditioners, and a lively, healthy school of Pristella X-Ray Tetras!