Fauna
Fish

X-ray Tetra

Pristella maxillaris

Also known as X-ray Fish, Pristella Tetra, Golden Pristella Tetra, Water Goldfinch

X-ray tetras navigate slow-moving coastal waters and flooded savannahs across northeastern South America, congregating in tight, shimmering schools among dense vegetation. Their translucent body reveals an intricate internal anatomy, including their vertebral column and a silvery swim bladder sac, providing effective camouflage against visual predators in dappled shallows. Unlike many strictly freshwater characins, they possess a notable tolerance for slightly brackish water, enabling them to exploit coastal wetlands and tidal streams.

TranslucentFreshwaterSchooling
X-ray Tetra reference
(c) Debivort, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWater fleas, Mosquito larvae, Rotifers
Predators
  • Piranhas
  • Kingfishers
  • Cichlids
ThreatsAgricultural runoff, aquatic habitat degradation, and wetland alteration
HabitatsLowland streams, coastal swamps, floodplains, and brackish estuaries
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderCharaciformes
  2. FamilyCharacidae
  3. GenusPristella
  4. SpeciesPristella maxillaris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Aquarium Care: Maintain groups of at least six individuals to encourage natural, calm schooling behavior.
  • Lighting: Provide dimmed lighting or floating plant cover to replicate the shaded shallows of their native habitat.
Related species
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