X-ray Pristella Tetra Albino (Pristella maxillaris 'Albino')

X-ray Pristella Tetra Albino Pristella maxillaris 'Albino'
Name	X-ray Pristella Tetra Albino
Name Lat.	Pristella maxillaris 'Albino'
Family	Characins
Family lat.	Characidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	NE-South America
Habitat	Streams, floodplains
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	5-9 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	4 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Hardness	5-20 °dH
Aquarium	~ 80 l
US Units
Size	1.6"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Hardness	89-356 ppm
Aquarium	~ 20 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the star-spotted tetra is coastal waters in the northeast of South America (Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana, northern Brazil). They live in small, stagnant rivers, tributaries and in floodplains with sometimes dense underwater vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on small insects, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are very peaceful sociable fish and well suited for a community tank with other, not too large and peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more star-spotted tetras should be kept together.

Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females are somewhat stronger and larger

Reproduction and breeding

They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days. The parents do not perform brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the spawn is easy prey.

Important

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF