Species · Pristella maxillaris

X-ray tetra: tank size, water and tank mates

Hardy, peaceful; tolerates harder water than most tetras.

Adult size4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Minimum tank15 US gal
Temperature24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH6–7.5
Temperamentpeaceful
Keep in groups of6+
Swimsmid
Shrimp & snailsUsually safe

Check a tank with X-ray tetra

Good tank mates for X-ray tetra

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African dwarf frog · Agassiz's dwarf cichlid · Amano shrimp · Assassin snail · Banjo catfish · Betta (male) · Black neon tetra · Black phantom tetra · Black ruby barb · Black skirt tetra · Bleeding heart tetra · Bloodfin tetra · Boeseman's rainbowfish · Bristlenose pleco · Bronze corydoras · Buenos Aires tetra · Bumblebee goby · Cardinal tetra · Celestial pearl danio · Cherry barb · Cherry shrimp · Chili rasbora · Clown killifish · Clown pleco

Avoid with X-ray tetra

Banded archerfish (predation) · Black ghost knifefish (predation) · Common / comet goldfish (temperature) · Convict cichlid (aggression) · Demasoni cichlid (aggression) · Dojo loach (temperature) · Fancy goldfish (temperature) · Gold barb (temperature) · Jack Dempsey (predation) · Jewel cichlid (aggression) · Medaka (temperature) · Oscar (predation) · Paradise fish (temperature) · Pea puffer (aggression) · Rosy barb (temperature) · Senegal bichir (predation) · Striped raphael catfish (predation) · Tinfoil barb (predation)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: medium. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.