Copella Arnoldi

Datasheet

General Description

The Copella Arnoldi, commonly known as the Splash Tetra, is a peaceful fish species with vibrant colors. It can be distinguished by certain physical characteristics, such as the presence of a dark stripe from the snout to the eye and the positioning of the dorsal fin closer to the caudal fin base. This species is a micropredator and feeds on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton, both in the wild and in an aquarium setting.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care of Copella Arnoldi, it is recommended to keep them in an 80-liter tank with dense planting, overhanging vegetation, and floating plants for security and natural habitat simulation. Additional features like roots, branches, and dried leaf litter contribute to creating a suitable environment. Water conditions should ideally be well-oxygenated with a pH range of 4.0-7.5 and a temperature between 20-28°C. Swings in water chemistry should be avoided to prevent stress on the fish.

Behaviour

Although generally peaceful, Copella Arnoldi may not be suitable for a general community aquarium. They thrive when maintained with similarly-sized peaceful species like characids, gasteropelecids, or smaller catfish. In a mixed-sex group of 8-10 individuals, males will exhibit colorful displays and compete for female attention, showcasing fascinating behavior.

Feeding and Diet

This tetra species is a micropredator that consumes small live and frozen foods like Artemia nauplii, Moina, and grindal worms. While they do accept dried foods, a varied diet is essential for their overall well-being. Offering small insects like crickets or fruit flies can provide nutritional diversity and support their natural feeding habits.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Copella Arnoldi displays an interesting reproductive strategy where spawning and egg deposition take place on overhanging vegetation above the water surface. Males exhibit larger size, extended fins, and vibrant colors compared to females. During courtship, males attract females and lead them to the chosen spawning site, where eggs are deposited. Paternal care is prominent, with males splashing water on the eggs until hatching.

Habitat and Distribution

Typically found in streams and minor tributaries with overhanging vegetation, Copella Arnoldi thrives in habitats characterized by riparian vegetation and tea-colored water. They are widely distributed in the lower Amazon basin, as well as coastal regions of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Variations in morphology and coloration exist across different populations, with some forms displaying uniquely colored fins and body patterns.