All fish / Lebiasinidae

Copella compta

Also known as compta splash tetra, spotted copella, copeina compta, copella sp.

Tankmates, for sale near you Identify a fish from a photo

This is a small, slim pencilfish relative from blackwater streams. It has a light brown body marked with rows of reddish dots, and males show red and yellow in the fins. Keepers like it as a calm top-dwelling fish for soft-water planted tanks with floating plants.

Care at a glance

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: 4.5 cm
Temperature: 23 to 28 °C
pH: 5 to 7
Smallest tank: 60 litres
Keep as: Group of 6 or more
Diet: Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworm, plus fine flakes and granules
Swims: Top of the tank
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Water: Freshwater
Wild range: Brazil: Rio Negro and middle Amazon basin

Breeding

It probably spawns on leaves or other surfaces like its relatives, with eggs left alone or briefly guarded by the male. Captive breeding is rarely reported and is not well documented.

Good to know

It jumps well, so keep the tank tightly covered. It is rarely traded and is easily mixed up with other Copella species, so check identification.