Gold Pristella Tetra Care Guide
The Gold Pristella is a selectively bred form of Pristella maxillaris, the X-ray tetra. A hardy, very peaceful shoaling characin from northern South America.
Overview
The Gold Pristella is a selectively bred ornamental form of Pristella maxillaris, the species widely known as the X-ray tetra. Care is the same as for the standard form. The species is a small characin native to the coastal waters of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Pristella
- Scientific name: Pristella maxillaris var. Gold
- Common name: X-ray tetra (standard form)
Habitat
During the dry season Pristella maxillaris inhabits clearwater streams and tributaries, moving into flooded savannah areas to spawn during the rainy season. It is one of the few characins that tolerate slightly brackish coastal conditions in parts of its range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (about 21 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: at least 6, preferably 10 or more
- Lifespan: 4-5 years
Diet
The species is a micropredator that consumes small invertebrates in nature. In the aquarium it accepts dried flakes and granules along with small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia, which support good colour and condition.
Compatibility
Pristella maxillaris is a very peaceful species that forms natural shoals and is best kept in a group of six or more, ideally ten or more. It is compatible with other small South American species such as tetras, pencilfish and dwarf cichlids, as well as general community fish including rasboras and small loaches.
Breeding
It is an egg-scatterer that spawns among vegetation and provides no parental care. Eggs hatch within roughly one to one and a half days and fry become free-swimming a few days later. Softer, more acidic water favours successful spawning.