Edit Pristella maxillaris
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Name
Scientific name
Pristella maxillaris
Described by
Authority Ulrey, Year 1894
Family
Characidae
Summary
The X-ray tetra, Pristella maxillaris, is a small characid native to coastal waters of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and north…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
45mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries
Not recorded
Supporting text
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Native to coastal waters of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. You're unlikely to see any wild fish for sale though. Due to its po…
Habitat
During the dry season it inhabits clearwater streams and tributaries. When the rains come it moves into flooded areas of savannah, where it spawns amongst the …
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 in should be the smallest considered.
Maintenance
This mass-produced fish is adaptable and will do well in most tanks. It does look particularly effective in a heavily-planted arrangement though, and can appea…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C72 – 82 °F pH: 6.0 to 7.5 Hardness: As its natural waters are subject to annual flooding, the amount of dissolved minerals can fluctuate…
Diet
A micropredator, it feeds mainly on small invertebrates in nature. In the aquarium it proves unfussy. Feed a mixture of dried flakes and granules along with sm…
Behaviour and compatibility
It's a very peaceful species that won't compete well with very boisterous or much larger tankmates. Ideally keep it with other South American species, such as …
Sexual dimorphism
Mature females are usually bigger and noticeably stockier than males
Reproduction
Easy enough to spawn, but raising the tiny fry can be quite tricky. You'll need to set up a dedicated tank if you want to raise them in decent numbers. Somethi…
Notes
P. maxillaris is one of the more popular tetras in the hobby, and is easily obtainable from most aquatic shops. It must rank among the very best choices for th…
References
References
No references