Pristella maxillaris: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:08, 3 March 2025

Pristella maxillaris[edit]

Pristella maxillaris, commonly known as the X-ray tetra, is a small species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Characidae. It is notable for its translucent body, which allows the internal organs and skeleton to be visible, resembling an X-ray image. This unique feature makes it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.

Description[edit]

Pristella maxillaris is a small fish, typically reaching a length of about 4 to 5 centimeters. Its most distinctive feature is its transparent body, which provides a clear view of its internal structure. The fish has a silver body with a yellowish tint and a striking black and white pattern on its dorsal fin. The caudal fin is forked and often displays a reddish hue.

Habitat[edit]

The X-ray tetra is native to the coastal rivers of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, and Paraguay River. It thrives in a variety of water conditions, from clear to brackish waters, and is often found in slow-moving streams and rivers with dense vegetation.

Behavior[edit]

Pristella maxillaris is a peaceful and social species, often found in schools. It is an omnivore, feeding on a diet of small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In the aquarium, it readily accepts a variety of foods, including flake food, frozen food, and live food.

Reproduction[edit]

The X-ray tetra is an egg-scatterer, meaning it releases its eggs into the water column, where they are fertilized externally. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning, and the eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours. The fry are free-swimming after about 3 to 4 days and can be fed on infusoria or finely crushed flake food.

Aquarium Care[edit]

Pristella maxillaris is a hardy species, making it suitable for beginner aquarists. It prefers a well-planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space. The water should be kept at a temperature of 22-28°C (72-82°F) with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Regular water changes and good filtration are recommended to maintain water quality.

Related Pages[edit]

Pristella maxillaris

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-'''Pristella maxillaris''', commonly known as the [[X-ray tetra]] or [[X-ray fish]], is a species of [[freshwater fish]] belonging to the [[Characidae]] family. It is native to the coastal rivers of the [[Amazon Basin]], [[Orinoco Basin]], and other rivers in the [[Guianas]]. This species is notable for its almost completely transparent body, through which its [[vertebral column]], [[swim bladder]], and [[internal organs]] can be seen, hence the name "X-ray".
+== Pristella maxillaris ==
+'''Pristella maxillaris''', commonly known as the '''X-ray tetra''', is a small species of [[freshwater fish]] belonging to the family [[Characidae]]. It is notable for its translucent body, which allows the internal organs and skeleton to be visible, resembling an X-ray image. This unique feature makes it a popular choice among [[aquarium]] enthusiasts.
 == Description ==
-The X-ray tetra is a small fish, typically reaching a length of 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in). It has a distinctive appearance, with a transparent body that allows for the visibility of its internal anatomy. The fish also features a golden hue along its back, black and white tips on its fins, and a red tail. The unique transparency of its body is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps it evade predators in its natural habitat.
-== Habitat and Distribution ==
+Pristella maxillaris is a small fish, typically reaching a length of about 4 to 5 centimeters. Its most distinctive feature is its transparent body, which provides a clear view of its internal structure. The fish has a silver body with a yellowish tint and a striking black and white pattern on its [[dorsal fin]]. The [[caudal fin]] is forked and often displays a reddish hue.
-Pristella maxillaris is found in freshwater environments across the northern part of South America. Its range includes the Amazon and Orinoco river basins and extends to the coastal rivers of the Guianas. The species prefers shallow, slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation, where it forms schools.
-== Behavior and Ecology ==
+== Habitat ==
-X-ray tetras are schooling fish that exhibit a high degree of social interaction. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet of [[algae]], [[small invertebrates]], and [[plant matter]]. In the wild, they play a role in controlling algae growth and serve as prey for larger fish species, contributing to the ecological balance of their habitats.
+The X-ray tetra is native to the coastal rivers of [[South America]], particularly in the [[Amazon Basin]], [[Orinoco River]], and [[Paraguay River]]. It thrives in a variety of water conditions, from clear to brackish waters, and is often found in slow-moving streams and rivers with dense vegetation.
-Breeding in the wild occurs during the rainy season. Females lay eggs among aquatic plants, which are then fertilized by the males. The transparent larvae hatch after a few days, gradually developing the species' characteristic transparency as they mature.
+== Behavior ==
+Pristella maxillaris is a peaceful and social species, often found in schools. It is an [[omnivore]], feeding on a diet of small [[invertebrates]], [[algae]], and [[plant matter]]. In the aquarium, it readily accepts a variety of foods, including [[flake food]], [[frozen food]], and [[live food]].
+== Reproduction ==
+The X-ray tetra is an [[egg-scatterer]], meaning it releases its eggs into the water column, where they are fertilized externally. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning, and the eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours. The fry are free-swimming after about 3 to 4 days and can be fed on [[infusoria]] or finely crushed flake food.
 == Aquarium Care ==
-Pristella maxillaris is a popular species in the [[aquarium]] hobby due to its unique appearance and peaceful nature. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring an aquarium with a capacity of at least 10 gallons, equipped with a filtration system, and maintained at a temperature of 24-28°C (75-82°F). A varied diet of flake food, brine shrimp, and bloodworms is recommended to keep them healthy in captivity.
-== Conservation Status ==
+Pristella maxillaris is a hardy species, making it suitable for beginner aquarists. It prefers a well-planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space. The water should be kept at a temperature of 22-28°C (72-82°F) with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Regular water changes and good filtration are recommended to maintain water quality.
-Currently, Pristella maxillaris is not listed on the [[IUCN Red List]] of Threatened Species. It is considered to be of 'Least Concern' due to its wide distribution and large populations. However, habitat destruction and water pollution pose potential threats to its natural populations.
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Characidae]]
-* [[Freshwater aquarium fish]]
+* [[Freshwater fish]]
-* [[Fish of the Amazon]]
+* [[Aquarium fish]]
-== References ==
-<references/>
 [[Category:Characidae]]
 [[Category:Freshwater fish of South America]]
-[[Category:Fish described in 1894]]
+[[Category:Aquarium fish]]
+<gallery>
-{{Fish-stub}}
+File:Pristella maxillaris.jpg|Pristella maxillaris
+</gallery>