Splash Tetra — a Lebiasinidae from 南美洲, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 3.2–4.6 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 25–29 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
25–29 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
3.2–4.6 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
From the waters of 南美洲 comes Copella arnoldi, a member of the family Lebiasinidae. A mid-water shoaler whose colour and courage arrive together, with the group. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3.2–4.6 cm. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Dark substrate, gentle light, big school — the three levers for this fish. Maintain 25–29 °C at pH 6–8. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better
Diet
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs