Hi-Fin Tetra Care Guide

The Hi-Fin Tetra, Pristella maxillaris, is a small, elegant characin with a translucent silver-gold body and distinctive dark markings on its dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. Selective strains commonly display an especially tall dorsal fin, giving the fish its popular “Hi-Fin” name, while yellow and black fin accents add contrast to its otherwise delicate appearance.This species is peaceful, active and sociable, spending much of its time moving through the middle levels of the water in a coordinated group. Its calm nature and modest adult size have made it a long-standing favourite among community-aquarium keepers.In nature, the Hi-Fin Tetra is found in parts of northern and eastern South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco drainage regions. It inhabits slow-moving streams, flooded areas and shallow waters where submerged vegetation, leaf litter and shifting patches of sunlight provide shelter.Pristella maxillaris is an adaptable species that occurs in both relatively clear and mineral-poor waters, and it can tolerate a broader range of conditions than many small characins. Like other tetras, it is an egg-scattering fish, with females releasing numerous adhesive or semi-adhesive eggs among vegetation during spawning.