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The Splashing Tetra is a fascinating and energetic freshwater fish admired for its attractive silver body, subtle iridescent colouration, and lively schooling behaviour. A popular choice for community aquariums, Splashing Tetras are active midwater swimmers that look particularly impressive when maintained in groups.
Their peaceful temperament and relatively small adult size make them suitable for a wide range of community aquariums. When kept in a properly maintained school, they display natural social behaviours and become confident, active additions to the aquarium.
Common Name: Splashing Tetra
Scientific Name: Copella arnoldi
Family: Lebiasinidae
Origin: South America
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 80 litres
Adult Size: 4–5 cm
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Water Type: Freshwater
Splashing Tetras have a slender, elongated body with a silver to olive-brown base colour and subtle iridescent highlights. Depending on lighting and the condition of the fish, the body may display attractive golden, bronze, or reddish tones.
The fins are generally transparent to lightly coloured, with males often displaying stronger colouration and more elongated fins than females. Their streamlined body is perfectly suited to their active swimming behaviour.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Splashing Tetra is its ability to leap from the water. In nature, breeding pairs are known for depositing eggs on vegetation above the water before repeatedly splashing water onto the eggs to keep them moist until they hatch.
Splashing Tetras are peaceful, active community fish that should ideally be kept in groups. A group of at least 6 individuals is recommended, with larger groups generally producing more natural behaviour and greater confidence.
They spend much of their time swimming near the surface and upper levels of the aquarium. Males may display to one another and establish small territories, but serious aggression is uncommon when adequate space and cover are provided.
Suitable tank mates include:
Avoid keeping them with:
A well-planted aquarium with areas of dense vegetation, floating plants, driftwood, and open swimming space provides an excellent environment for Splashing Tetras.
They naturally spend much of their time close to the surface, so floating plants are particularly beneficial. These provide shade, security, and a more natural environment while also encouraging natural behaviour.
Because Splashing Tetras are accomplished jumpers, a secure aquarium lid is essential. Any gaps around filter pipes, cables, or equipment should also be covered.
Gentle to moderate water movement is ideal. Avoid excessively strong currents that prevent the fish from swimming comfortably near the surface.
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Soft to moderately hard, clean and stable water is recommended. Regular water changes and effective biological filtration are important for maintaining good health.
Splashing Tetras are omnivorous with a strong preference for small meaty foods. In the aquarium they readily accept a variety of appropriately sized foods.
Recommended foods include:
Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring that all food is small enough for the fish to consume comfortably.
A varied diet will help maintain healthy growth, natural behaviour, and good colouration.
Splashing Tetras are active, alert, and highly entertaining fish. They are most comfortable when kept in a social group and will often move together around the upper levels of the aquarium.
Males may display to females and to one another, particularly when conditions are suitable for breeding. Their constant activity makes them an excellent choice for aquarists who enjoy lively community aquariums.
They are also known for their remarkable jumping ability. This behaviour is particularly important during breeding, but fish may leap from the aquarium when startled or disturbed, making a secure lid essential.
Splashing Tetras have one of the most unusual breeding behaviours among commonly kept aquarium fish.
During spawning, the male and female leap from the water onto a suitable surface such as an overhanging leaf. The female deposits a small number of eggs on the surface, with the male fertilising them.
After spawning, the male repeatedly jumps from the water and splashes water over the eggs. This keeps the eggs moist while they develop above the waterline.
After the eggs hatch, the larvae eventually fall into the water below.
Breeding is possible in the home aquarium, although providing the correct above-water spawning surface and maintaining suitable conditions for the eggs can require some preparation.
For aquarists interested in breeding Splashing Tetras, provide broad leaves or suitable smooth surfaces positioned just above the waterline.
The aquarium should have a secure cover while still allowing the fish access to the spawning surface. A small air gap between the water and cover can provide the necessary space for their unusual spawning behaviour.
Floating plants and broad-leaved vegetation can also encourage natural spawning behaviour.
Keep Splashing Tetras in groups of at least 6, with larger groups recommended where aquarium space allows. Provide a well-planted aquarium with floating vegetation, driftwood, and plenty of open swimming space.
Maintain clean, stable water and offer a varied diet containing both quality prepared foods and frozen or live foods. Avoid housing them with aggressive or predatory tank mates.
Most importantly, always use a secure aquarium lid. Splashing Tetras are exceptional jumpers, and even a small uncovered gap can allow them to escape.
With proper care and a suitable environment, Splashing Tetras are an active, peaceful, and fascinating addition to the freshwater community aquarium, offering aquarists the added attraction of one of the most unusual breeding behaviours seen in aquarium fish.
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