The X-ray Tetra is a transparent fish ideal for beginners as it's one of the most adaptable species of Tetra. Read more for facts, compatibility and care info about this aquarium fish.
General Facts
Pristella maxillaris is a species of characin in the genus Pristella, and is commonly known as the X-ray fish or X-ray tetra.
The X-ray Tetra is one of the most well-liked aquarium species worldwide due to its quick reproduction rate and distinctive appearance.
One of the most well-known freshwater fish used in man-made aquariums today, they were initially reported by American marine biologist Albert Ulrey in 1894.
The X Ray fish is the only species of its genus that is recognized, but it shares a close relationship with other small, colorful South American fish, such as the over 100 other Tetra species.
The Amazonian coastal waters of Brazil, Guyana, Guyana, and Venezuela are home to the X-Ray Tetra.
They are one of the most adaptable species of Tetra and differ significantly from other Tetra species in that they can live in both their typical freshwater settings as well as the harsher brackish water closer to the coast.
The X-Ray relocates when the rainy season arrives and during the dry season, they live in clear-water streams and tributaries.
Meaning & Appearance
This unique fish gets its’ name due to its transparent body.
Their translucent skin makes it possible to see their internal organs and skeleton, much like an X-Ray. That’s where the name gets its’ meaning.
Due to the slight golden tint of their transparent skin, the X-Ray Tetra fish is also known as the Golden Pristella Tetra and the Water Goldfinch.
This fish has a bony internal structure known as the Weberian apparatus, which is used in picking up sound waves, and contributes to their acute sense of hearing.
The transparency of their skin is thought to be a form of protection as predators find it much harder to spot them amongst dense vegetation and shimmering water.
The translucent covering of skin that covers the X-Ray Tetra fish's small body, which makes its backbone visible, is its most distinguishing characteristic. The dorsal and anal fins of the X-Ray Tetra are vividly striped and are colored yellow, black, and white. It also has a re-tipped tail.
The albino variety of the species is currently widely distributed in artificial communities all over the world, in addition to the yellowish X-Ray Tetra's popularity in aquariums.
Lifespan & size of the X-ray fish
The typical lifespan of the X-Ray fish is 2 to 5 years however they can live longer in captivity up to 7- 8 years.
Generally the X-Ray Fish is a small fish. Their height varies from 1.6 inches to 1.9 inches (3.2cm to 5cm), which is the maximum they can reach.
Females are somewhat bigger than males. Females are generally slightly larger and rounder than the more slender males, although the two are very similar in appearance.
Temperament and personallity
The Pristella Maxillaris (X-Ray Tetra) lives in large groups. It's a peaceful and easy to care for species. Because they're very adaptable, undemanding and hardy fish they're perfect for beginners.
They are schooling fish, which means that they need to be kept in groups of their own kind. Usually, they're kept in schools of six or more.
They can swiftly go from being calm to being wary in the presence of larger, predatory fish.
Compatibility with other fish (X-ray fish tank mates)
X-ray Tetras need a peaceful tank. Any tank mates you select should have a calm nature and be similar in size.
Because of their small size, they should not be kept in the same aquarium as larger, predatory fish but will co-inhabit the tank peacefully with other small, schooling fish that pose them no threat.
In the wild, they coexist peacefully with various species in their environment and are frequently tolerant of the ones they share their habitat with.
Some possible tank mates are:
- other small Tetras
- small rasboras
- honey gouramis
- zebra danios
- guppies
- apistogramma cichlids
- livebearers
- small loaches
- mollies
- pencil fish.
X-ray fish care
Food and diet
The X-Ray Tetra is an omnivore fish that consumes both plants and animals, like many other small species of fish that inhabit the Amazon River.
Worms, insects, and small crustaceans that reside close to the riverbed are the main prey items for X-Ray Tetra, and their young frequently consume insect larvae.
They are mostly micro-predators that eat tiny invertebrates, though they are also known to augment their diet with aquatic plants.
To ensure that they enjoy a balanced diet in artificial communities, X-Ray Tetra need a variety of food sources, such as brine shrimp and bloodworm in addition to the usual flakes and pellets.
Aquarium size and setup
The maximum size of X-ray pristella tetra fish is 1.9 inches and therefore they are perfect aquarium dwellers for tanks as small as 10 gallons.
(Tip: remember that for every 1 inch of fish you'll need at least 1 gallon of water)
However, given their high level of activity and preference for being housed in schools of at least six fish, they do better in 20-gallon aquariums.
Though it's important to remember to leave some room in the tank for the fish to swim, the tank should be densely planted with tank plants to provide cover for the fish. Plants like Java fern and Amazon sword plants and other plants that require similar water conditions with these fish are ideal.
Except for a great look they also help to keep up water conditions. Ammonia and other nitrogenous waste products are filtered out, and they are then used as fertilizer for their own growth. For the benefit of your fish, they release oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide. Floating plants will also be helpful.
Line the tank bottom with a sandy substrate, because it is similar to their natural habitat.
Remember to change at least 10% of the tank water every week to provide your fish a clean and healthy environment.
Test kits like API master test kit are very useful for when you need to check that your tank has the ideal water quality (ammonia, phosphate, nitrate and nitrite levels).
A good quality filter like a canister filter of a sump filter will also help to keep healthy water conditions. Check this article from fishtankadvisor.com for more information about tank filters.
Water conditions
The following tank water specifications should be used:
- Temperature: 74°F–78°F (23–26 °C)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 4 - 18 dGH
Reproduction
X-Ray Tetras are fully matured (and can spawn) when they reach the age of 5 to 8 months.
In contrast to many fish of a similar species that give birth to live offspring, the female X-Ray Tetra scatters between 300 and 400 eggs across the flora of the tank(when she is ready to spawn, the see-through skin means that her eggs can also be easily seen). After that, the male will come along and fertilize the eggs.
Once the X-Ray Tetras are done spawning, you will need to remove them from the breeding tank as they do not provide any parental care to their eggs and they may also try to eat their own eggs.
X-ray tetra’s young are called ‘Frys’. Within 24 hours of hatching, X-Ray Tetra fry start to develop; in a few days, they may swim freely.
Providing them with food small enough that they can swallow is very important. You can find more info in the article how to breed x-ray fish from tfhmagazine.com.
Footnote:
The X-Ray Tetra has not been listed on the IUCN Red List as a species that is under threat in its environment. However, increasing industry in the Amazon Basin means that there has been an increase in the levels of pollution in the water and therefore a decrease in water quality, leading to slight population declines in certain areas.
You may also be interested in these articles:
Leave a Reply