Splash tetra

Copella arnoldi

Wild range: Amazon Basin (South America)

At a glance: Splash tetra care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Splash tetra?

The compiled profile lists 20.0–30.0 °C for Splash tetra (Copella arnoldi). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Splash tetra?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 21.4 US gallons (81.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Splash tetra?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 4.0–7.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

The Splash tetra inhabits warm, soft, acidic waters rich in organic matter, typically found in flood-prone areas with abundant overhanging vegetation. The water conditions feature low light, stained with tannins, and oxygen levels may be low, necessitating reproductive adaptations like aerial spawning.

Where they are found

Found primarily in the Amazon River Basin, particularly in regions of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, the species exhibits a preference for areas with abundant floating plants and submerged vegetation which offer breeding sites and refuge from predators.

Aquarium care

To provide optimal care for the Splash Tetra, set up a densely-planted aquarium that includes floating plants and overhanging structures. Light should be kept low, and the water should be well-oxygenated with soft surface agitation. Avoid introducing the fish to a biologically immature aquarium to prevent stress from water chemistry fluctuations.

Feeding

Splash tetras feed on floating foods that simulate their natural diet of small insects. In captivity, provide small flakes and supplement with live or frozen foods such as fruit flies or brine shrimp.

Compatibility

While peaceful, the Splash Tetra prefers not to be housed in a general community tank. They thrive best with similarly-sized characins, catfishes, and small non-predatory cichlids, and should be kept in groups of 8-10 for optimal social and behavioral expression.

Breeding

Breeding Splash Tetras can be accomplished by providing a suitable spawning area, such as a floating plant. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry should be fed infusoria until they are large enough for finely powdered foods.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.