X-Ray Tetra

Pristella maxillaris was first formally described as Aphyocarax maxillaris in 1894 by the American biologist Albert B. Ulrey, with its type locality given as Brazil; which is classified within the American characin family, Acestrorhamphidae. This family is classified in the suborder Characoidei of the order Characiformes.

Pristella maxillaris, as Holopristis riddlei, is the type species of the genus Pristella. This name attaches the diminutive suffix -ella to pristis, a word meaning "one who saws". Eigenmann did not explain this name, but it may be refer to the minute, conical teeth of this species scattered along the maxilla. The specific name, maxillaris, also refers to te teeth along the maxilla.

Pristella maxillaris is found in South America, where it is known from the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in Brazil and Venezeula, and from coastal rivers in the Guianas and Brazil. These tetras are found in slow flowing and still waters with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Pristella maxillaris is a popular fish in the aquarium trade, where it is considered to be hardy and easy to maintain, a good fish for beginners in the hobby. Almost all the fish in the aquarium trade are captive bred, especially in Eastern Europe.