X-ray Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
| X-ray Pristella Tetra Pristella maxillaris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | X-ray Pristella Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Pristella maxillaris |
| 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 the wild they feed mainly on small insects and larvae. The diet consists of small live foods such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also well accepted frozen, plus commercially available frozen special food mixtures supplemented with freeze-dried food. High-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, micro-pellets) is also accepted without problems.
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
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
In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has 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