Albino pristella (Pristella maxillaris)

Family: Characidae

Albino pristella — a Characidae from 南美洲, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 24–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
3.4–5 cm
Minimum tank
30 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
南美洲

Species overview

Pristella maxillaris is a Characidae from 南美洲. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 3.4–5 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 6–8. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
  • Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
  • Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; no parental care