All fish / Lebiasinidae

Black-banded Pyrrhulina

Copella meinkeni

Also known as copella metae, copella eigenmanni, black banded pyrrhulina, meta pyrrhulina, rio meta copella, brown pyrrhulina, コペラ・メタエ

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

A slim, brownish-gold splash tetra relative with a dark stripe running from the snout through the eye along the body, and reddish edges to the fins in males. It is kept by enthusiasts of soft-water blackwater setups for its calm nature and interesting surface-dwelling habits.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

23 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 granules

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin: Colombia, Peru, Brazil

Breeding

An egg scatterer that lays eggs on broad leaves near the surface, with the male guarding them until they hatch. Spawning is quite achievable in soft, acidic water, and the tiny fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Keep the tank tightly covered as it can jump. Naming is confused in the trade, and many fish sold as Copella metae or C. eigenmanni are now considered to be Copella meinkeni, so check the identity with the seller.