X‑Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaria): Beginner‑Friendly, Fast‑Swimming Community Fish
X-Ray Tetra -- pristella maxillariaScientific name: Pristella maxillaria
An excellent choice for beginners, the X-Ray Tetra grows to 1.5 inches. It is faster swimming than some of the other tetras and should be kept in a shoal. The water temperature can be between 72º and 82º Fahrenheit. A pH from 6.0 to 8.0 is fine, as is soft to relatively hard water. All flake and freeze-dried foods are suitable.
The body coloring of the X-Ray Tetra is unremarkable, but the fins make it rather distinctive. The tail is an off red, and the dorsal and anal fins have an unusual three-color pattern: bright yellow, black, and white.
To learn more about freshwater aquariums, see:
- Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pitteri) – Ideal Care & Stunning Colors
- Black Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus melanopterus) – Hardy, Elegant Aquatic Gem
- Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) – Care, Tank Requirements & Aquarium Tips
- Glowlight Tetra – Vibrant Hemigrammus erythrozonus for Thriving Aquariums
- Bleeding Heart Tetra (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma): Care, Tankmates, and Water Requirements
- Red‑Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae): Care Guide & Tankmates
- Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) – African Aquarium Fish