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X-Ray Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Pristella maxillaris

Complete X-Ray Tetra care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 10 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

X-Ray Tetra

Quick Answer

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) has a nearly transparent body, allowing you to see its backbone. It requires a minimum 10 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 8.0 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) has a nearly transparent body, allowing you to see its backbone. Its fins are striking yellow, black, and white.

Setup

A 10-gallon or larger tank with plants and open swimming areas. They are very adaptable to different water conditions, including slightly brackish.

Feeding

Omnivorous; accepts flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods.

Compatibility

Peaceful. Keep in schools of 6+. Excellent for community tanks with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 8.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many X-Ray Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 8 to 12 individuals in a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm). X-ray tetras (Pristella maxillaris) have translucent bodies and distinct yellow-and-black fin bands that show best when swimming together in a school. Groups under 6 cause faded colors and stress. A school of 15+ creates natural shoaling dynamics. Provide open swimming lanes and floating plants. Tank length must exceed 24 inches (60 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for X-Ray Tetras?
Target pH 6.0 - 8.0, General Hardness 4 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 3 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 100 - 400 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 200 - 800 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C). They are among the hardiest and most adaptable tetras, making them excellent choices for beginners. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a sponge or HOB filter with moderate flow. Add driftwood and dark substrate.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for X-Ray Tetras?
They are standard omnivores requiring 35% protein, 10% fat, 55% plant matter. Feed high-quality tropical flakes, cichlid granules, freeze-dried daphnia, and frozen brine shrimp twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes weekly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) and formalin. Praziquantel is safe. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat external parasites. Quarantine with methylene blue for 7 days. They are resistant to most diseases.
How to breed X-Ray Tetras in captivity?
Select 10-12 mature fish and condition with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 10-gallon (38 liter) breeding tank with 4 inches (10 cm) of water (pH 6.5, dGH 6, 78°F/25.5°C), a spawning mop, and dim light. Simulate dawn over 30 minutes. Spawning occurs in the morning; female releases 200-400 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after 4 hours. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp after day 7.

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