纳氏翘嘴脂鲤 · Spotted Splashing Tetra

Overview

Five or six rows of vivid red spots characterize Copella meinkeni, which lacks the obvious dark flank stripe of Copella nattereri. Long-standing naming confusion makes scientific identity and actual markings more useful than trade labels when choosing fish.

Distribution & habitat

Most records are from Brazil's Rio Negro and Venezuela's Orinoco. The broader known range includes the central Amazon between the Javari and Trombetas systems. Occurrence in the connecting Casiquiare channel is plausible but remains presumed.

It inhabits forest streams and smaller tributaries, entering flooded forest at high water. Overhanging vegetation is abundant and decomposing organic matter often stains the water pale brown.

Aquarium setup

For long-term care, allow surface dimensions of at least approximately 60 × 30 cm. Dense planting or a paludarium with floating cover, roots, branches, and shade provides suitable subdued conditions. Most activity occurs in the upper water, where usable space should remain.

Dry leaves supply cover and microorganisms that can supplement fry food. Maintain oxygen with gentle surface movement. Introduce fish only after filtration and water chemistry have stabilized, avoiding abrupt chemical changes.

Diet & feeding

Tiny invertebrates and other zooplankton probably form the natural diet. Captive fish accept suitable prepared foods, but daily small live or frozen items such as Artemia nauplii, small water fleas, and grindal worms remain useful. Small crickets and fruit flies may also be offered after feeding them fish flakes or plant material.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is peaceful but should not be added indiscriminately to a community. Similarly sized small characins, smaller bottom-dwelling catfishes, and diminutive nonpredatory cichlids are candidates where requirements match.

Maintain at least eight to ten in a mixed-sex group, with peaceful schooling companions if desired for confidence. Males display while competing for females and establish small temporary territories around prospective spawning sites.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger, more colorful, and longer-finned. Females have a rounder body, particularly when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Eggs are laid among plants and guarded by the male during incubation. A mature tank may produce occasional fry, but a separate setup gives greater control. Use air-driven sponge filtration and floating or surface-reaching plants, or suitable artificial material.

Eggs may attach to broad leaves or be scattered among finer vegetation when suitable leaves are absent. Remove females after spawning and leave the male to tend the clutch for approximately 36–72 hours. Once hatching starts, care ends and he may eat fry, so remove him as well.

Start with Paramecium or fine foods around 5–50 μm, adding Artemia nauplii or microworms as the fry grow. Development is slow.

Notes

The name Copella nattereri has been misapplied to this fish both before and after its description; that species has a prominent lateral stripe. Another look-alike, Copella callolepis, has a black triangular marking in the lower tail lobe and darker blue-black or brownish-red spots. This species lacks the triangle and has bright red spots.

Splashing-tetra trade names do not mean every Copella spawns outside water. Here the eggs remain among submerged plants.