X-Ray Tetra

Scientific name: Pristella maxillaria

An excellent choice for beginners, the X-Ray Tetra grows to 1.5 inches. It is faster swimming than some of the other tetras and should be kept in a shoal. The water temperature can be between 72º and 82º Fahrenheit. A pH from 6.0 to 8.0 is fine, as is soft to relatively hard water. All flake and freeze-dried foods are suitable.

The body coloring of the X-Ray Tetra is unremarkable, but the fins make it rather distinctive. The tail is an off red, and the dorsal and anal fins have an unusual three-color pattern: bright yellow, black, and white.