All fish / Characidae

Copeland's tetra

Hyphessobrycon copelandi

Also known as megalamphodus copelandi, copelandi tetra, copeland tetra, red phantom tetra look-alike

A small, deep-bodied tetra with a reddish to pinkish body, a dark shoulder spot and red-tinted fins, closely related to the red and black phantom tetras. It is kept for its gentle nature and warm colours, which look best in a planted, dimly lit tank with soft water.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flakes, micro pellets, frozen and live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru and Colombia

Breeding

An egg-scattering spawner that lays among fine-leaved plants and gives no parental care. Breeding is possible in soft, acidic water in a separate tank, but adults eat the eggs and the tiny fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Rarely imported under its correct name and often confused with Hyphessobrycon sweglesi and other phantom tetras. Keep with peaceful, similarly sized fish.