This study aimed to test a convenient and effective method for chromosome preparation and karyotyping in Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris). The chromosome samples made from an embryo were compared with those made from the pronephros-PHA method. Then karyotype analysis was conducted by Photoshop CS5 and image J. We found that pronephros-PHA method was hard to manipulate, due to twice injections, dissection of pronephros in small fish, and less good chromosome samples. While embryo method was easy to manipulate, and steadily produced more good chromosome samples (Fig. 1). The results showed that the diploid chromosome number was 2n = 52 and the karyotype was composed of 6m + 12sm + 34t, NF = 70 (Fig. 2 and Table 1). No chromosome polyploidy, heteromorphic sex chromosome, and randon chromosome segregation were found.