Pristella (X-Ray) Tetra

Pristella maxillaris

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Cardina and Neocaridina shrimp, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Pristella Tetras are also known as X-Ray Tetras.  You can sometimes see their organs through their semi-transparent body.  Their tails can be orange-reddish in color while their dorsal and anal fins have a yellow, black and white pattern.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. Pristella tetras are active swimmers, so aim for a 20 gallon tank if possible.  Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Paracheirodon innes

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Green Neon Tetras are great beginner fish.  They're similar in appearance to Neon Tetras except their red color is very faint and their green/blue-ish stripe is super vibrant.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Puntigrus tetrazona

Tank Mates

Active and fast swimming community fish like Zebra Danios, Cories, Loaches, Platies and Rad-tailed sharks.

Avoid slowing moving, long finned fish like Bettas, Guppies, Gouramis, dwarf shrimps and small snails.

Notes

Fin Nippers!  They may also nip at slower moving fish or fish with long-flowing fins.  Shy, timid and slow community fish may not get to eat.

Melanotaenia lacustris

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

 Cherry Barbs, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Dwarf Gouramis, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Guppies, Plecos, Dwarf Corydoras, Loaches, Otocinclus and even Dwarf Shrimp.

Notes

Also known as Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish or Blue Rainbowfish, Turquoise Rainbowfish are simlar Boesemani Rainbowfish and are peaceful middle-top dwellers with small mouths.  They do well in a community with many nano fish including cherry barbs.  Minimize plant and decoration density and aim for 48" long tank to give them ample swimming space.

Paracheirodon innesi

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otocinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Notes

Neon Tetras are great beginner fish.  The reason is because they can tolerate both acidic and low alkaline water conditions. This makes them hardier than Cardinal Tetras and a bit easier to keep. Their size is also smaller in comparison, approximately 1-1.25” max.  You’ll find them in almost every local fish store including commercial big box retailers.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish. Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths such as cichlids.

Nematobrycon palmeri var. amphiloxus black

Characteristics:

Tank Mates

Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Hatchetfish, Mollies, Dwarf Gourami, Angelfish, Guppies, Loaches, Otcinclus, dwarf shrimp and snails

Care

Black Emperor Tetras are relatively hardy fish. Keep in large groups to minimize male aggression.  They’re able to reach 2” in size, males having blue eyes and females green.  General rule is 2 gallons per fish. 10 Gallon tank at a minimum, but push for 20 or more for healthy and happy fish.  Avoid aggressive or territorial species or large fish with big mouths.