FishCompat
X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) in a freshwater aquarium

Characidae

X-Ray Tetra

Pristella maxillaris

X-Ray Tetras are beginner-level peaceful aquarium residents that reach about 2 in. X-Ray Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that feel safest in groups of at least 6. They work best with calm tank mates that share similar water parameters.

Compatible49 compatible12 caution18 avoid

Quick Stats

Tank

15+ gal

pH

6-7.5

Temp

73-82F

Size

2 in

Temperament

Peaceful

Care

Beginner

Swim Level

Middle

Group

6+

X-Ray Tetra Care Guide

The X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a beginner-level freshwater aquarium resident from Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana. It reaches about 2 inches and should be kept in tanks of at least 15 gallons.

Keep water near pH 6-7.5, temperature 73-82F, and hardness 2-12 dH. Feed omnivore, flakes, micro pellets with 1-2 small feedings daily.

X-Ray Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that feel safest in groups of at least 6. They work best with calm tank mates that share similar water parameters.

See all tank mates for X-Ray Tetra

Top Compatible Tank Mates

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Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) in a freshwater aquarium

Amano Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) in a freshwater aquarium

Bamboo Shrimp

Size 1.6 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Neon Tetra

Size 1.6 inpH 5.5-7.5
Boesemani Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) in a freshwater aquarium

Boesemani Rainbowfish

Size 4.3 inpH 7-8
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bolivian Ram

Size 3.1 inpH 6-7.5
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bristlenose Pleco

Size 5.1 inpH 6.5-7.8
Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) in a freshwater aquarium

Bronze Corydoras

Size 2.8 inpH 6-7.5
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) in a freshwater aquarium

Cardinal Tetra

Size 2 inpH 4.8-6.8

Use Caution With

African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri) in a freshwater aquarium

African Dwarf Frog

Size 0.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Apistogramma (Apistogramma cacatuoides) in a freshwater aquarium

Apistogramma

Size 3.1 inpH 5.5-7.5
Betta (Betta splendens) in a freshwater aquarium

Betta

Size 2.8 inpH 6.5-7.8
Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) in a freshwater aquarium

Black Skirt Tetra

Size 2.4 inpH 6-7.5

Species To Avoid

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in a freshwater aquarium

Angelfish

Size 5.9 inpH 6.5-7.5
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) in a freshwater aquarium

Axolotl

Size 0.4 inpH 6.8-8
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) in a freshwater aquarium

Clown Loach

Size 11.8 inpH 6-7.5
Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) in a freshwater aquarium

Common Pleco

Size 17.7 inpH 6.5-7.8