All fish / Lebiasinidae

Spotted Tetra

Copella nattereri

Also known as spotted splash tetra, natterer's tetra, beautiful scaled characin, rainbow copella, red-spotted copella, copeina nattereri, spotted copella, コペラ・ナッテリー, 纳氏丝鳍脂鲤

A slim pencilfish relative whose scales each carry a dark red-brown spot, giving a neat netted look, with males showing reddish fins and a dark dorsal blotch. It is kept for its quiet charm in planted blackwater tanks, where it cruises near the surface in small groups.

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

54 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

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

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon and Orinoco basins: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on broad leaves just under the surface, and the male guards the clutch and fans it. Breeding is quite achievable in soft, acidic water with dim lighting and plenty of plants, and the fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Keep the tank tightly covered as it jumps readily. Often confused with Copella arnoldi and other Copella species, which are traded under similar names.