Moderate

Splashing Tetra

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Copella arnoldi

Complete Splashing Tetra care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Splashing Tetra

Quick Answer

Splashing Tetra (Copella arnoldi) is a unique fish known for its extraordinary breeding behavior: the male and female jump from the water to deposit eggs on overhanging leaves.. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.0 and temperature range of 24-28°C. This carnivore occupies the top zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Splashing Tetra (Copella arnoldi) is a unique fish known for its extraordinary breeding behavior: the male and female jump from the water to deposit eggs on overhanging leaves.

Setup

A 20-gallon or longer tank with a very tight lid (no gaps). Low water level (leave 6+ inches of air space). Floating plants and broad leaves above water.

Feeding

Carnivorous; prefers live/frozen foods: fruit flies, small crickets, bloodworms, brine shrimp. Will accept floating pellets.

Compatibility

Peaceful but territorial during breeding. Keep in groups of 6+ with more males than females. Good with other top-dwelling fish that don't compete for surface.

Tank Position
Top
Water Temp
24-28°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Carnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Leaf Fish Care Guide: Diet & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet | The Aquarium Calculators semanticSimilarity Badis Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Splashing Tetras should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum school of 6 to 8 individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 30x12 inches (75x30 cm). Splashing tetras (Copella arnoldi) are famous for their unique breeding behavior, jumping out of the water to lay eggs onto overhanging leaves. Groups under 5 cause stress and reduced breeding. Maintain a 1 male to 2-3 female ratio. Provide a tightly covered aquarium with overhanging plant leaves or a lid positioned 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) above the water surface. Tank height should be 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for Splashing Tetras?
Target pH 6.0 - 7.0, General Hardness 2 - 6 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 1 - 4 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 50 - 150 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 100 - 300 μS/cm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). They prefer soft, acidic blackwater conditions. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes using RO water. Add Indian almond leaves and peat filtration. Use a sponge filter with very gentle flow. Provide broad-leaved plants (Amazon sword, Anubias) hanging over the water surface.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Splashing Tetras?
They are surface omnivores requiring 40% protein, 12% fat, 48% plant matter. Feed high-quality floating flakes, fruit flies (Drosophila), frozen daphnia, and brine shrimp twice daily. They rarely eat sinking foods. Medication alert: Sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L max) and formalin. Use malachite green at half-dose (0.05 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with methylene blue at half-strength. They are susceptible to ich; treat with herbal remedies.
How to breed Splashing Tetras with environmental triggers?
Condition a group of 6-8 with live fruit flies and brine shrimp for 3 weeks. Lower water level to 6 inches (15 cm) and raise temperature to 82°F (28°C). Provide an overhanging broad leaf (plastic plant or glass slide) positioned 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) above water. The male and female jump together; female deposits 5-10 eggs on the leaf; male fertilizes. Repeat 10-20 times (50-200 eggs total). Male periodically splashes water to keep eggs moist. Eggs hatch in 36-48 hours; fry fall into water. Feed infusoria immediately, then baby brine shrimp. Remove adults after spawning.

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