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Maximum size : 7 cm
Splash Tetra - Copella arnoldi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Splash Tetra (Copella arnoldi) is a serene, captivating species that proves to be both easy to keep and delightfully engrossing to breed. Unfortunately, these Tetras are relatively rare and infrequently offered for sale, making them a prized addition to any aquarium. As shoaling fish, it is advisable to maintain these Tetras in sizable groups of six to ten individuals to encourage natural schooling behaviour. However, due to their small adult size, it is essential to exercise caution when selecting compatible tankmates, as these Tetras are easily intimidated by larger, more aggressive species. Ideally, tankmates should comprise smaller Dwarf Cichlids, Pencilfish, Corydoras Catfish, Killifish, and other small blackwater Tetras. The Splash Tetra boasts a slender olive-brown body with a whitish belly and a relatively large, upturned mouth featuring sharply pointed teeth. They display a dark spot on their dorsal fin bordered by a whitish-pink hue, accompanied by a dark band from the snout to the eye, extending through to the operculum. Their caudal fin features a strikingly profound fork, with the upper lobe more extensive than the bottom lobe, exhibiting a scarlet flash. The Tetras' adipose fin is notably absent, with their large pelvic fins used during spawning. When maintained under optimal water conditions, the upper half of their iris develops an iridescent orange hue, further enhancing their captivating appearance.Splash Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Discerning between male and female Splash Tetras is a relatively simple task. Typically, the males exhibit larger body proportions and longer, more vibrantly hued fins accented with red and black outlines. Moreover, during the spawning period, males may manifest a conspicuous dark band that extends posteriorly along the body from behind the opercle.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Copella arnoldi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1912 |
| Other Names | Splashing Tetra, Spraying Tetra, Jumping Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Lebiasinidae |
| Genus | Copella |
| Origins | Guyana Suriname Brazil |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 4.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 18 - 143 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 27.8 |
Natural Habitat
The Splash Tetra is a captivating species, endemic to the lush tropical River Basins of the Amazon and Orinoco in Brazil, and the coastal drainages of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, encompassing the Demerara Essequibo, Suriname, and Nickerie regions of South America. Inhabiting both clear and blackwater, these Tetras dwell in shallow creeks, streams, swamps, and wetlands and can be found in flooded forests during times of high water. The most favourable habitats for these Tetras boast extensive overhanging riparian vegetation, lending an immersive and breathtakingly verdant appearance to their environment. In addition, the water is often steeped in tannins, staining it with the natural decomposed matter released by the lush vegetation, further enhancing the Tetras' captivating habitat.
Orinoco - Venezuela
