
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pristella maxillaris
A small characin with a semi-transparent body and black, white and yellow banding on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. Hardy, peaceful, undemanding about water and inexpensive, it is one of the easiest recommendations for a first community tank.
Pristella maxillaris is a small characin from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the coastal drainages of the Guianas. FishBase gives 4.5cm TL, pH 6.0-8.0, up to 35 dH and 24-28C, while Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 6.0-7.5, 2-20 dGH and a base of at least 60 by 30cm, about 54 litres. The semi-transparent body carries a small humeral spot, and the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are banded in black, white and yellow. In the dry season it lives in clearwater streams; when the rains come it moves into flooded savannah and spawns among submerged vegetation. It is peaceful and shoaling, and its hardiness and low price make it a standard beginner recommendation. Spawning is easy, with 300 to 400 eggs reported per event, and a semi-albino golden strain is established.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Pristella Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Pristella Tetra grows to About 4.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Pristella Tetra is 22〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins and coastal drainages of the Guianas)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
About 4.5cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 30cm, about 54 litres. An ordinary planted community tank is fine, and a dark substrate with floating plants sets off the translucent body.
Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 2-20 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-8.0, up to 35 dH and 24-28C, so it tolerates a wide hardness range. Almost all trade fish are farmed and need no fussing over chemistry.
Very peaceful and suited to small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Apistogramma, Corydoras and small loricariids, and it also mixes with rasboras, barbs, livebearers and small anabantoids. Keep six at minimum, preferably ten or more.
FishBase records worms, small crustaceans and insects in the wild. It takes dried food readily, and frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp improve colour and condition.
Spawning is easy and FishBase reports 300 to 400 eggs per event. Spawn them in a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base and remove the adults. The fry are tiny, so raising them is harder than getting the eggs.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. The strain sold as golden is a semi-albino selective form and needs the same care as the normal fish.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Pristella Tetra is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Pristella Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Pristella Tetra typically reaches About 4.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Pristella Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Pristella Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026