The X-ray tetra, or the Pristella maxillaris, is that the only species within the Pristella genus. The X-ray tetra also referred to as the golden pristella tetra, is one amongst the only a few animals that are transparent or semitransparent. Due to its faint yellow coloration, it's also known as the water goldfinch.
Some interesting facts:-
- The X-Ray Tetra is also known as the Golden Pristella Tetra and the Water Goldfinch due to the faint golden coloration of their translucent skin.
- This fish has a bony internal structure called the Weberian equipment, which helps to their acute sense of hearing.
- They are peaceful and are often tolerant of the opposite species that they share with their habitats.
- X-ray tetra young are called ‘Frys’. These small fish grow to about 5 cm long.
- X-Ray tetras get their name from their transparent skin that shows their bones. You can also see the eggs within a female at the breeding time.
- The female X-Ray Tetra lays 300 – 400 eggs by scattering them amongst plants.
- X-ray tetra primarily hunts worms, insects that live close to the river.
- The transparency of their skin is believed to be a sort of protection as predators notice it harder to identify them amongst dense vegetation and shimmering water.
- The biggest threat to the X-Ray Tetra is pollution.
- X-Ray tetras are found within the Amazonian waters of Brazil, Guiana, Guyana, and Venezuela in South America. They are robust very little fish and may survive in saltier water on the brink of the coast as well as the fresh water of the Amazon. They are quite common and are often kept as pets.
