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10 Best X-Ray Tetra Tank Mates and Care Tips: Frequently Asked Questions

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pristella_tetra1.jpg">Debivort at the English Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons

The X-Ray Tetra is a small fish that many people like. Its see-through body makes it look cool. These fish live in groups and swim in the middle of tanks. They eat small bits of food and get along well with other fish.

The name Pristella maxillaris comes from Latin. Pristella means “saw” and maxillaris refers to the jaw. This name was given because of the fish’s shape and mouth.

In pet stores, you might see them called X-Ray Fish or Golden Pristella Tetra. They belong to the Characidae family, which includes other tetras and piranhas.

These fish come from South America. They live in slow-moving waters with plants. In the wild, they eat tiny animals and plants. When kept as pets, they like flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods.

X-Ray Tetras grow to about 2 inches long. They can live up to 5 years with good care. The fish do best in groups of 6 or more. They need tanks that are at least 10 gallons big.

One fun fact is that these fish can change color based on their mood and surroundings. When happy, they show more yellow on their fins.

Scientists first wrote about X-Ray Tetras in 1894. Since then, they have been popular in the fish hobby. Their clear bodies let us see their insides, which is why people find them so interesting.

Some fish keepers have bred X-Ray Tetras at home. This helps protect wild populations. The fish lay eggs that stick to plants. After a few days, baby fish hatch and start to swim.

X-Ray Tetras are peaceful and active. They like clean water between 75-82°F. These fish don’t need special care, making them good for new fish keepers.

In research, scientists have studied how X-Ray Tetras grow and behave. Their clear bodies make it easy to watch their organs work. This helps us learn about fish health.

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
Debivort at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

X-Ray Tetra Key Information

The X-Ray Tetra is a striking aquarium fish known for its see-through body. This small swimmer has a shiny, silver look with blue hints on its sides. What really stands out is its bright yellow-tipped top fin. Its tail fin often has a touch of red, making it even more eye-catching. These colors make the X-Ray Tetra a fun pick for fish tanks.

FamilyCharacidae
OriginSouth America
Price$2-$5 each
Other NamesX-Ray Fish, Golden Pristella Tetra
TypesNo special types known
Tank Size10-20 gallons
Water NeedspH 6.0-7.5, 75-82°F
Life Span3-5 years
Full SizeUp to 2 inches
Natural HomeSlow rivers with lots of plants
How They ActFriendly, active, like groups
Where They SwimMiddle of the tank
Tank DecorPlants, wood, open spaces
Good Tank FriendsOther small, nice fish
Fish to AvoidBig, mean fish
Food They LikeFlakes, tiny pellets, frozen foods
Health IssuesCan get common fish sickness
Change GenderNo
Boy or Girl?Girls are bigger and rounder
Care LevelEasy for beginners
Breeding EaseCan be done at home with care

Ideal Tank Mates for X-Ray Tetra

When choosing tank mates for the X-Ray Tetra, it’s important to consider fish with similar temperaments and water requirements. The X-Ray Tetra is a peaceful, schooling fish that thrives in community tanks. Ideal companions should be non-aggressive and able to coexist in the same water conditions. Here are 10 compatible tank mates that can create a harmonious aquarium environment with the X-Ray Tetra:

Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, and FAQs

Neon Tetras are a classic choice for community tanks. Their vibrant blue and red coloration complements the X-Ray Tetra’s transparent body. Both species are schooling fish, creating a lively and dynamic tank environment.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Neon Tetra$1-$3EasyPeaceful5-8 years1.5 inches

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, FAQs

These bottom-dwelling catfish are excellent tank mates for X-Ray Tetras. They occupy a different part of the tank, reducing competition for space. Corydoras are also peaceful and add interest to the lower levels of the aquarium.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Cory Catfish$3-$8EasyPeaceful3-5 years2-3 inches

Harlequin Rasbora

Harlequin Rasboras
Mariusz Dabrowski, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Harlequin Rasboras share similar water requirements with X-Ray Tetras. Their distinctive triangular shape and orange-red coloration provide a nice contrast to the X-Ray Tetra’s transparent appearance.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Harlequin Rasbora$2-$5EasyPeaceful3-5 years2 inches

Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius): Comprehensive Care Guides, Tank Mates, and FAQs

These colorful fish add a touch of elegance to the tank. While they are slightly larger than X-Ray Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis are generally peaceful and can coexist well, occupying different levels of the aquarium.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Dwarf Gourami$5-$10EasyPeaceful4-6 years3.5 inches

Cherry Barb

Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, FAQs
Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cherry Barbs are active swimmers that can add a splash of red to your tank. They are peaceful and share similar water requirements with X-Ray Tetras, making them excellent companions.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Cherry Barb$2-$5EasyPeaceful4-6 years2 inches

Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus
Photo Credit: AJC1

These small, peaceful catfish are excellent algae eaters. They occupy a different niche in the tank, helping to keep it clean while coexisting peacefully with X-Ray Tetras.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Oto Catfish$2-$5ModeratePeaceful3-5 years2 inches

Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae
Klaus Rudloff, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ember Tetras are tiny, vibrant fish that school well with X-Ray Tetras. Their bright orange-red coloration adds a warm glow to the aquarium, complementing the X-Ray Tetra’s transparent beauty.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Ember Tetra$3-$6EasyPeaceful2-4 years0.8 inches

Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, FAQs

These small plecos are excellent algae eaters and bottom dwellers. They provide a unique texture to the tank with their bristly noses and help keep the aquarium clean without bothering the X-Ray Tetras.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Bristlenose Pleco$5-$15EasyPeaceful5-10 years4-5 inches

Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, FAQs

These eel-like bottom dwellers add an interesting element to the tank. They are peaceful and nocturnal, making them perfect companions for the more active, daytime-oriented X-Ray Tetras.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Kuhli Loach$3-$7EasyPeaceful10+ years4 inches

Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus): Complete Care Guides, Tank Mates, FAQs
Gedanken.welten, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Galaxy Rasboras, these tiny fish have a striking pattern that contrasts beautifully with X-Ray Tetras. They prefer similar water conditions and their small size ensures they won’t outcompete the X-Ray Tetras for food or space.

Common/Market NamesPrice RangeCare LevelBehaviorLife SpanMax Size
Galaxy Rasbora$5-$10ModeratePeaceful3-5 years1 inch

FAQs about X-Ray Tetra

How often should I feed my X-Ray Tetras?

Feed your X-Ray Tetras small amounts 2-3 times a day. Only give them what they can eat in about 2 minutes.

Can X-Ray Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes, X-Ray Tetras can live with most small, peaceful shrimp species like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp.

Do X-Ray Tetras need a heater?

A heater is a good idea for X-Ray Tetras. It helps keep their water at a steady temperature between 75-82°F.

How many X-Ray Tetras should be kept together?

Keep at least 6 X-Ray Tetras together. They are schooling fish and feel safer in groups.

Can X-Ray Tetras live in a pond?

X-Ray Tetras are not suited for outdoor ponds. They need stable, warm water conditions that are hard to maintain outside.

Do X-Ray Tetras jump out of tanks?

They can jump if startled. Use a lid on your tank to keep them safe.

How can I tell if my X-Ray Tetra is pregnant?

X-Ray Tetras lay eggs, so they don’t get pregnant. Females may look fuller when carrying eggs.

Are X-Ray Tetras fin nippers?

No, X-Ray Tetras are not known to nip fins. They are peaceful fish that get along well with others.

Can X-Ray Tetras change color?

While they don’t change color dramatically, X-Ray Tetras may look brighter when happy and healthy.

How do I acclimate X-Ray Tetras to a new tank?

Float the bag in your tank for 15 minutes, then slowly add small amounts of tank water to the bag over an hour before releasing the fish.

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Michelle

Michelle

Total posts created: 163
A long-time freshwater fish enthusiast with a passion for sharing knowledge about this fascinating hobby. Over the years, Michelle has dedicated countless hours to studying, learning, and experiencing firsthand the joys and challenges of fish-keeping.

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