All fish / Lebiasinidae

Black-banded Pyrrhulina

Copella nigrofasciata

Also known as copella callolepis, black-banded copella, black banded pyrrhulina, pyrrhulina nigrofasciata, banded pyrrhulina, nigrofasciata copella, copeina callolepis, コペラ・ニグロファスキアータ

A slim, pencil-like characin with a dark stripe through the eye, faint dark bars along a brownish body, and red-tipped fins in males. People keep it as a calm, interesting surface dweller for soft-water, planted or blackwater tanks with floating plants.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 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 fine flakes

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: lower Amazon and Rio Negro basins

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on a broad leaf or flat surface, and the male guards and fans them until they hatch. It is fairly achievable in soft, acidic water when fed well on live food, though the tiny fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Keep a tight lid because it jumps well. It is often confused with other Copella and Pyrrhulina species, and imported stock may be mislabelled.