Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) for Sale Canada | Buy Pristella Tetra

$5.00

Description
Reviews (0)

**Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) for Sale in Canada**

The Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris), commonly known as the X-Ray Tetra, is a beautiful and adaptable South American freshwater fish admired for its semi-transparent body and striking yellow, black, and white fin markings. Its translucent appearance allows parts of its internal structure to be faintly visible, giving the species its famous X-Ray Tetra name.

Pristella Tetras are peaceful, active, and social fish that make excellent additions to community aquariums. Their adaptable nature and attractive appearance make them suitable for both newer fishkeepers and experienced aquarium hobbyists.

A healthy school of Pristella Tetras creates constant movement through the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Their subtle body colour and distinctive fin markings look particularly attractive against lush green plants, dark substrate, and natural driftwood.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) for Canadian aquarium hobbyists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.

Why Choose Pristella Tetra?

A Beautiful and Hardy X-Ray Tetra

Pristella Tetras are prized for their:

Unique Features

Premium Characteristics

Semi-transparent body
Distinctive yellow, black, and white fin markings
Active schooling behaviour
Peaceful community temperament
Hardy and adaptable nature
Excellent planted aquarium fish
Attractive midwater movement
Popular South American freshwater species

Their unique translucent appearance makes them stand out from many other tetra species.

Aquarium Size

A 15–20 gallon aquarium is suitable for a small school, while a 20–30 gallon aquarium provides more space for a larger group and compatible community fish.

Recommended Aquarium Setup

Mature biological filtration
Gentle to moderate water movement
Good oxygenation
Live aquatic plants
Driftwood
Smooth stones
Natural or dark substrate
Open swimming areas
Some shaded cover

Pristella Tetras appreciate a balance between planted shelter and open water for active schooling.

Water Parameters

Scientific Name: Pristella maxillaris
Common Name: Pristella Tetra
Also Known As: X-Ray Tetra, Golden Pristella Tetra
Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH: 6.0–8.0
GH: 4–20 dGH
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Swimming Level: Middle and upper levels
Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years with proper care

Although adaptable, stable and clean water conditions remain important for long-term health.

Feeding Your Pristella Tetra

Pristella Tetras are omnivorous and generally enthusiastic feeders.

Recommended Foods

Premium tropical flakes
Micro pellets
Fine granules
Frozen bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Daphnia
Cyclops
Baby brine shrimp
Spirulina-based foods

A varied diet helps support healthy growth, activity, and strong overall condition.

Feed small portions once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.

Ideal Planted Aquarium

Pristella Tetras are excellent fish for planted community aquariums.

Recommended Plants

Java Fern
Anubias
Cryptocoryne
Java Moss
Bucephalandra
Vallisneria
Water Sprite
Amazon Sword
Floating plants

Plant the sides and rear of the aquarium while keeping open swimming areas through the centre.

Dark substrate can provide beautiful contrast against their translucent bodies and colourful fins.

Compatible Tank Mates

Pristella Tetras are peaceful and adaptable, making them compatible with many similarly sized community species.

Suitable Tank Mates

Other peaceful Tetras
Neon Tetras
Cardinal Tetras
Ember Tetras
Lemon Tetras
Harlequin Rasboras
Corydoras
Otocinclus
Peaceful Gouramis
Small peaceful Barbs
Small Rainbowfish

Avoid:

Large predatory fish
Highly aggressive cichlids
Large fin-nipping species
Fish large enough to eat them

Choose tank mates with compatible adult size, temperament, and water requirements.

Schooling Behaviour

Pristella Tetras are social fish and should be maintained in groups.

Recommended Group Size

Keep 6 or more, with 8–10 or more providing an even more natural and impressive schooling display.

A proper school encourages:

Greater confidence
Reduced stress
Natural social interaction
More coordinated swimming
Better overall aquarium activity

Larger groups can look especially impressive in a spacious planted aquarium.

Male and Female Differences

Sexual differences are generally subtle.

Males

Often slimmer-bodied
May appear slightly more streamlined

Females

Usually fuller-bodied
May develop a more rounded abdomen when carrying eggs

Sexing young Pristella Tetras can be difficult.

Supporting Healthy Colour and Appearance

The appearance of Pristella Tetras depends on genetics, diet, health, and aquarium conditions.

Care Tips

Maintain excellent water quality
Feed a varied diet
Keep a proper social group
Avoid overcrowding
Provide plants and cover
Leave open swimming space
Minimize unnecessary stress

Healthy Pristella Tetras should display active behaviour and clear, attractive fin markings.

Breeding Pristella Tetras

Pristella Tetras are egg-scattering fish and may breed under suitable conditions.

Breeding Tips

Condition healthy adults with nutritious foods
Use a separate breeding aquarium
Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
Maintain clean water
Keep lighting subdued
Remove adults after spawning
Protect eggs and developing fry

Adults do not provide parental care and may eat their eggs.

Raising Fry

Newly hatched fry require extremely small foods initially, followed by larger foods such as baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Why Buy Pristella Tetra from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish

Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects Pristella Tetras for:

Healthy body condition
Active swimming
Strong feeding response
Attractive transparent appearance
Clear fin markings
Premium aquarium quality

Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada

Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.

Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large does a Pristella Tetra grow?

Pristella Tetras generally reach approximately 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) as adults.

2. Why is the Pristella Tetra called an X-Ray Tetra?

Its body is partially transparent, allowing parts of its internal structure to be faintly visible, giving it the popular name X-Ray Tetra.

3. Are Pristella Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful, social community fish and are suitable for aquariums with other appropriately sized, non-aggressive species.

4. How many Pristella Tetras should I keep?

A group of 6 or more is recommended, while 8–10 or more provides an even more natural schooling display.

5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Pristella Tetras across Canada?

Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Pristella Tetras arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.