All fish / Lebiasinidae

Eigenmann's Splash Tetra

Copella eigenmanni

Also known as eigenmann's copella, spotted copella, splash tetra, copeina eigenmanni

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This is a slim pencil-shaped characin from the Amazon. It has a brownish to silvery body with rows of small dark spots, and the males show reddish fins with dark and pale tips. Keepers like it for its quiet manner and for how it fits soft, acidic, planted blackwater tanks with floating plants.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Amazon basin in Brazil, including Pará

Breeding

It scatters eggs among plants or on broad leaves near the surface, and the parents give little or no care. Breeding is possible in soft, acidic water with fine-leaved plants, but the fry are tiny and need infusoria at first.

Good to know

It is a skilled jumper, so keep a tight lid on the tank. It is often confused with other Copella and Pyrrhulina species, and imports are usually wild-caught and may be mislabelled.