Albino Golden X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)

The Albino Golden X-Ray Tetra is a lively and peaceful community fish, known for its striking golden body, deep red tail, and bold yellow-and-black fins. Widespread throughout the Amazon River basin and now tank-bred for the aquarium trade, this hardy variety adapts easily to a wide range of setups. Its constant activity, shimmering color, and shoaling behavior make it an eye-catching addition to planted aquariums.

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Behavior & Compatibility

This species typically inhabits the top and middle levels of the aquarium but will also forage near the bottom. Best kept in groups of 6–8 or more, these tetras are social and thrive when schooling. They are safe with other small, peaceful fish, as well as non-aggressive dwarf and Geophagus cichlids.

While generally shrimp-safe with adults, they may prey on small dwarf shrimp or fry. Larger invertebrates make excellent companions, especially in well-planted tanks with ample hiding places.

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Care & Feeding

Not a picky eater, the Albino Golden X-Ray Tetra thrives on a varied carnivorous diet:

• High-quality flakes and micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia

• Occasional meaty treats to enhance coloration and vitality

Providing a heavily planted aquarium with dark substrate and driftwood will help highlight their golden hues and encourage natural behavior.

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What We Like About This Fish

• Unique golden body with red tail and vibrant fin markings

• Peaceful nature, excellent for community tanks

• Active schooling behavior that adds motion and interest

• Hardy and adaptable to a variety of aquarium conditions

• Looks especially striking in planted aquascapes

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Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred for spawning)

• KH: 2–20 dKH

• Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons (school of 6–8 adults)

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Care Guidelines

• Diet: Mostly carnivorous – flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods

• Social Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling; keep in groups of 6+

• Origin: Tank-bred (native to the Amazon Basin)

• Adult Size: 1.6–1.8 in (4–4.5 cm)

• Purchase Size: ~1 in (2.5 cm)

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✨ Hardy, active, and beautifully colored, the Albino Golden X-Ray Tetra is a perfect choice for community aquariums and planted setups.