Pristella Tetra Care Guide: Easy Tips for X-Ray Tetras)

Pristella Tetras are small, peaceful fish. They live in freshwater and are easy to care for. These fish belong to the Characidae family, just like many other tetras. They are also called X-Ray Tetras because their bodies are see-through. Their fins have bright yellow and black tips, which makes them easy to spot.

They are calm and strong, which makes them great for new fish keepers. They also fit well in community tanks.

Topic	Details
Common Name	X-Ray Tetra
Scientific Name	Pristella maxillaris
Size	Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Lifespan	4–5 years (with good care)
Tank Size	Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups)
Schooling Needs	Keep in groups of 6 or more
Temperament	Peaceful and social
Temperature Range	72°F–82°F (22°C–28°C)
pH Range	6.0–8.0 (ideal ~7.0)
Water Hardness	4–18 dGH
Diet	Omnivore – flakes, pellets, live/frozen food

Do Pristella Tetras Like to Live in Groups

Yes, they do! These fish are schooling fish. They feel safe and happy when they swim in groups. Keep at least six of them in one tank. This helps lower stress and lets them show their best colors.

Put plants in the tank. Use a soft filter to keep the water clean. Try to keep the tank calm and stable. These fish do not like sudden changes.

How Big Do Pristella Tetras Get

These tetras stay small. Most grow to 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) long. Some may reach 2 inches (5 cm), but this is rare. Their small size makes them a good choice for small tanks. But they still need room to swim, so don’t keep them in a tank that is too small.

How Long Do Pristella Tetras Live

They can live for 4 to 5 years if you care for them well. With great care, they may live even longer. Give them clean water, good food, and a stress-free home to help them live a full life.

Are Pristella Tetras Hardy

Yes, they are very hardy. They can handle many water types and different temperatures. This is great for beginners who are still learning. But even hardy fish need clean water and the right food. Do not change the water too fast or too often. This can hurt them.

What’s the Difference Between a Tetra and a Pristella Tetra

The word “Tetra” means a group of small fish in the Characidae family. Some examples are Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, and Black Skirt Tetras. Each type looks and acts a little different.

The Pristella Tetra is one kind of tetra. It is easy to spot because of its see-through body and bright fins. It is also stronger than many other tetras. So, all Pristella Tetras are tetras—but not all tetras are Pristella Tetras.

Setting up a home for Pristella Tetras is easy. These fish are not fussy. But they need clean water, space to swim, and friends to school with.

Pristella Tetra Size

Adult Pristella Tetras grow to 1.75 inches (4.5 cm). Some may reach 2 inches (5 cm). They are small but still need room to swim and explore.

School Size

Pristella Tetras love to be in groups. Keep at least 6 together. If you can, keep 8 to 10. A big group makes them more active and bright.

Water Temperature

These fish can live in many temps. The best range is 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). Keep the temp steady. Big changes can stress them.

Best Long-Term Temp

Try to keep the tank near 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C). Use a heater and a thermometer to help with this.

Water Conditions

Pristella Tetras are strong, but they still need clean water. Use these settings:

pH: 6.0 to 8.0 (7.0 is best)
Hardness: 4 to 18 dGH
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Change the water often. Use a good filter. Add plants and décor to give them places to hide and play.

What Do Pristella Tetras Eat

Pristella Tetras eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat tiny bugs, larvae, and algae. In tanks, they will eat most fish foods.

Will They Eat Shrimp

Yes, they might eat very small or baby shrimp. Adult shrimp, like Amano or big Cherry Shrimp, are usually safe. Add lots of plants so shrimp can hide.

Best Diet for Pristella Tetras

Give them different foods to keep them healthy. Here are some good choices:

Flake food or micro pellets
Freeze-dried bloodworms or daphnia
Frozen brine shrimp or mosquito larvae
Blanched spinach or zucchini (small bits)

Feed once or twice a day. Give only what they eat in two minutes.

Easy-to-Eat Food

Their mouths are small, so food must be small too. Try:

Flakes – Good everyday food
Micro pellets – Easy to eat and slow-sinking
Frozen foods – Boost health and color
Live foods – Great for fun and natural behavior

Mix it up to keep them strong.

What Fish Don’t Eat Shrimp?

Want to keep shrimp safe? Try these peaceful tank mates:

Otocinclus catfish
Corydoras catfish
Kuhli loaches
Snails
Small rasboras (like Chili Rasboras)

These fish are gentle and usually ignore shrimp.

Can Tetras Live With Shrimp?

They are calm but may eat baby shrimp. Grown shrimp are usually okay. Add lots of plants to help baby shrimp hide.

No, they will eat shrimp. Congo Tetras are big and have big mouths. They are not mean, but they eat what fits.

Pristella Tetra Compatibility

Many tetras may eat shrimp, especially babies. That includes Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, and Pristella Tetras. Use plants and hiding spots to protect shrimp.

Pristella Tetras are calm and friendly. They do well in community tanks with other peaceful fish. They like to swim with others and feel safe in groups. This makes them a great pick for tanks with many kinds of fish.

Can Pristella Tetras Live With Angelfish?

Yes, they can live with angelfish, but be careful. Angelfish get bigger and may guard their space, especially when they breed. To help them get along:

Use a tank that holds at least 30 gallons
Add plants and hiding spots
Pick young or gentle angelfish

Watch how the fish act at first. If they fight or chase, you may need to separate them.

Best Tank Mates

Pristella Tetras get along with small, calm fish. Here are some good friends for them:

Avoid fish that are big or mean. Large cichlids or aggressive barbs may bite or chase the tetras.

Keep Them in Groups

Always keep at least 6 Pristella Tetras in the tank. They are schooling fish, so they feel safer and look better in a group. A big group also helps them stay active and show their best colors.

Pristella Tetra Behavior

These tetras are calm, active, and social. They love to swim in the middle of the tank. If they are alone or too few, they may hide or act shy.

They don’t fight or nip other fish. When happy, they explore the tank and show off bright colors.
At feeding time, they come to the top but don’t push others away. Their kind nature makes them great for peaceful tanks.