Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Pristella Tetra - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Pristella Tetra at a glance
Adult size: 1.75 inches · Min tank/pond: 20 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 5-7 years.
Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Pristella Tetra comes from
Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Pristella Tetra tank size and setup
Pristella Tetra requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 1.75 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Pristella Tetra
Pristella Tetra prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Pristella Tetra eats
Pristella Tetra is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Pristella Tetra tankmates and compatibility
Pristella Tetra works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Pristella Tetra adult size and lifespan
Pristella Tetra reaches 1.75 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-7 years with proper care.
Can you breed Pristella Tetra?
Pristella Tetra can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Pristella Tetra diseases and problems
Pristella Tetra is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Pristella Tetra for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Pristella Tetra online
Pristella Tetra is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Pristella Tetra from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Pristella Tetra taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.