Family: Lebiasinidae
Distribution: Copella arnoldi, commonly known as the Splash Tetra, is a South American freshwater species distributed near the banks of slow rivers with heavy vegetation. It is found in the lower Amazon River, Guyana and the Rio Paru.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 25°C – 29°C (77 – 84F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dH
Description: Copella arnoldi is a small species that will grow a maximum of 4 cm in a tank environment, although they may be larger in the wild. The Splash Tetra has an olive-green to brown body, and a white belly. A dark stripe makes its way from the gills to the caudal fin, and a copper-coloured line features directly above the black band. This species has an elongated body; males are slightly larger than females.
Diet: Copella Arnoldi is omnivorous and has similar feeding habits to Copeina guttata. It will accept a varied diet of fish flakes, pellets, frozen foods and vegetables, but should also be given live food such as brine shrimp, insect larvae and small flying insects. Basically, it will accept anything given to it.
Breeding: The Splash Tetra has a distinctive breeding behaviour. The pair will find a plant that grows above the water’s surface, and swim towards it together. They will then jump out of the water at the same time; the female will deposit 6 – 8 eggs for fertilisation by the male. This will continue until about 200 eggs have been laid. It is the male’s job to watch over the nest and spray water – using his tail – onto the eggs to keep them in good shape. These eggs will hatch in 2 – 3 days, and the male will stop caring for them at this point.
Comments: Copella arnoldi is best kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons in volume. This species is quite hardy but careful attention should be paid to water quality. You can add plants to your tank – a well-planted tank is recommended – along with flat rocks and several hiding places. Make sure your tank can receive morning sunlight, and be sure to put a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium to stop Copella arnoldi from jumping out. This species is definitely suitable for newcomers to the aquarium hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Splash Tetra is a very peaceful species – and a great community fish. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Comments on this entry are closed.