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Pristella maxillaris, Ulrey, 1895

Origin: Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil.

Etymology: unk

Synonyms:Pristella riddlei, Eigenmann, 1910. Holopristes riddlei, Meek, 1907. Aphyocharax maxillaris, Ulrey, 1895

First European import: Germany, 1924, By W. Eimeke.

Description:See pictures

Care: Pristella maxillaris should be kept in a group of 5 or more fish, preferably combined with other groups of similar sized fish. A dark soil, lots of light and not too hard water brings out the colors in full. The fish are lively and peacefull and inhabit the middle regions of an aquarium. Since the fish adapt to virtually any type of water, they are very suitable for the community tank. They do require some planted regions in the back of the tank, especially fine leaved plants are appreciated.

Temperature:22-28 degrees(best kept at 24-25)

Feeding:Omnivorous, all food is accepted.

Size: 4.5 cm

pH: 6.0-8.0, hardness 2-30 dGH

Breeding: Very easy, although raising the fry is a bit more difficult. A suitable pair should be placed in a breeding tank (60*30*30) with neutral and not too hard water. The tank should be densely planted on the back and sides, yet have a lot of swimming space available in the front. Up to 500 very small eggs are laid, which will hatch after 2-3 days. The fry are very sensitive to changes in the environment, frequent small waterchanges are recommended. If a pair doesn't spawn within two days, try changing one of the fish, or provide some sunlight.

Sexual dimorphism: Males are smaller, have a deeper shade of red in the caudal fin. The swimbladder of males is pointy towards the front, females have a rounded swimbladder.

Prices:described to be a li*&*&*&*&*&*v

Additional: Pristella maxillaris has even been found in brackish waters. Mostly the fish are still known to the hobby by their old name, Pristella riddlei.

Picture references:Picture : E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.

Hoedeman, J. J.(1969): Aquariumvissen encyclopedie 3. Elsevier Nederland B. V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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