Splashing Tetra

Copella (Copeina) arnoldi
Splashing Tetra; Spraying Tetra
Habitat:
South America
Length:
75 mm (3 in.)
Diet:
Prepared foods
Sex difference:
Males are more colorful and have more developed fins
Compatibility:
Peaceful
Breeding:
In nature, the female lays the eggs on the underside of a leaf overhanging the surface of the water and the male, by an equally energetic leap, fertilizes them. To prevent the eggs from drying out, the male splashes them with his tail, hence the common name of this fish. This condition can be duplicated in the tank, with some difficulty, by the use of a piece of sanded glass hanging out the top of the aquarium.
Tank conditions:
pH 6.8; Hardness 6; Temp 77ºF; Size 15 gal
Comments
A very difficult fish to breed, but I have heard of successful breedings. It still is a pretty addition to the community, even if you don't plan on breeding them.