In its native environment, how does the transparency of the *Pristella maxillaris* primarily aid survival?
Answer
Serving as camouflage to evade predation in dappled light
The near-invisibility afforded by its transparency serves a crucial biological function in the wild, acting as a highly effective form of camouflage. In the naturally dappled light filtering through the water in its riverine habitats, being transparent helps the small fish evade detection by predators, as it relies on not being seen rather than using bright colors for defense or display, which is common among its tetra relatives.
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