Red Spotted Splash Tetra - Copella meinkeni Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Red Spotted Splash Tetra (Copella meinkeni) is a small, vividly spotted characiform fish native to the soft, acidic freshwater streams of the Amazon Basin in Brazil and Venezuela. Described by Zarske & Géry in 2006, this species reaches just a few centimetres in length and is distinguished by five to six rows of red flank spots and the absence of a broad dark lateral band. It belongs to the Lebiasinidae family and has an elongated, slender body adapted to benthopelagic habitats. Its striking appearance has earned it a place in the ornamental fish trade.
Red Spotted Splash Tetras are naturally gregarious and thrive when kept in cohesive groups, with a minimum of six individuals recommended, though larger shoals are strongly preferred to encourage natural behaviours and reduce stress. Given their delicate disposition and modest adult size, careful consideration should be given to their tankmates. They are best housed alongside other calm, similarly sized species, such as small Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Pencilfish, or peaceful blackwater Tetras. Boisterous or predatory fish should be avoided, as they can easily outcompete or intimidate these gentle characins.
In a well-maintained, soft-water aquarium, a shoal of Red Spotted Splash Tetras adds visual interest and vitality, often occupying the mid-to-upper regions of the tank. Their environment should mimic their natural habitat, mature and heavily planted, with subdued lighting and slow water movement. The inclusion of driftwood, floating plants, and broad-leaved vegetation enhances their sense of security and supports their instinctive behaviours. However, due to their exceptional jumping ability, tanks must be securely covered, with any gaps for equipment sealed using a coarse filter sponge to prevent escape.
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Sexual Dimorphism
In Red Spotted Spalsh Tetras, sexual dimorphism is subtle but observable with close inspection. Males typically exhibit more vivid colouration, especially the red spotting along the flanks, which becomes more intense during courtship and territorial displays. Males typically exhibit slightly more elongated and pointed dorsal and anal fins than females. Females, in contrast, often appear slightly fuller-bodied, particularly when gravid, and display more subdued colouration overall. These distinctions, although not as pronounced as in some other characin species, play a crucial role during breeding, where males actively court females and defend their spawning sites.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Copella meinkeni |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2006 |
| Other Names | Spotted Splashing Tetra |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Lebiasinidae |
| Genus | Copella |
| Origins | Brazil Venezuela |
| Approx Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 5 |
| KH | 0 - 2 |
| TDS | 18- 143 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Red Spotted Splash Tetra is endemic to the Amazon Basin, with its natural range spanning parts of Brazil and Venezuela in South America. It inhabits slow-flowing rainforest streams characterised by soft, acidic water and dense aquatic and marginal vegetation. These environments, often shaded by overhanging foliage, provide the ideal conditions for the species' specialised behaviour and breeding habits.
Breeding
Breeding the Red Spotted Splash Tetra in captivity is achievable but requires precise conditions and close attention to detail. Successful reproduction depends on maintaining very soft, acidic water, ideally aided by peat filtration to replicate their natural spawning environment. The breeding aquarium should be densely planted, with abundant vegetation that reaches or floats at the surface, providing vital shelter and suitable sites for egg deposition.
During courtship, the male actively seeks out a suitable location and attempts to attract a receptive female to deposit her eggs. Spawning typically occurs on broad-leaved plants near the surface or within fine-leaved vegetation. After spawning, the female should be removed to minimise disruption, as the male assumes sole responsibility for guarding the eggs throughout the incubation period, which typically ranges from 36 to 72 hours, depending on water temperature. Upon hatching, the male's parental role ends, and he should also be removed to prevent predation on the fry.
The fry becomes free-swimming after a couple of days, at which point they require appropriately sized live foods such as infusoria, microworms, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Growth tends to be slow, but in densely planted aquaria with minimal disturbance, a reasonable number of juveniles can reach maturity without intensive care.
Diet & Feeding
The Red Spotted Splash Tetra serves as a micro predator, primarily feeding on small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In the wild, it forages in the mid-to-upper water column, often capturing prey items that drift in the current or fall from overhanging vegetation. Its feeding behaviour is active and opportunistic, reflecting the ecological conditions of its native blackwater habitats. In captivity, this species readily accepts a variety of suitably sized foods, including live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro-worms, along with high-quality micro-pellets and flakes. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant colouration and supports long-term health and reproductive conditions.
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Published: 15 Jul 2025
Last Updated: 15 Jul 2025