Splash tetra
Small South American fish that lays eggs on leaves above water
The splash tetra is a tiny freshwater fish from South America known for its unique breeding method. Pairs jump out of the water to attach eggs to overhanging leaves, where the male keeps them moist until they hatch.
- Pairs jump out of water to lay eggs on leaves
- Male splashes water on eggs to keep them moist
- Native to Orinoco and Amazon river basins
- Lacks a lateral line and adipose fin
- Grows to a maximum length of 4 cm
What it is
The splash tetra is a slender, small tropical fish reaching about four centimetres in length. It has a large upturned mouth with sharp teeth, differing from the horizontal mouth of similar pencil fishes. Its body features a dark line running from the snout past the eye, and a distinct spot on the dorsal fin. This species lacks both a lateral line and an adipose fin. The nostrils are separated by a ridge of skin, and the maxillary bones curve in an S-shape.
Where it lives
This fish is native to tropical river basins across South America. Its distribution extends from the Orinoco system to the Amazon River. It inhabits shallow waters, including clearwater forest creeks and blackwater streams found in swamps and wetlands. The species has also been introduced to the island of Trinidad, where it is not originally found.
How it lives
The splash tetra feeds on worms, crustaceans, and various invertebrates. It particularly targets small insects that fall onto the water surface. This diet reflects its life in shallow, vegetated streams where such prey is abundant. The fish does not form large schools but interacts closely during its specific breeding rituals.
Breeding and life cycle
Reproduction involves a remarkable behaviour where the male cares for the eggs. During the breeding season, the male selects a site with overhanging foliage. He attracts a female, and the pair leaps out of the water together. They cling to a low leaf with their pelvic fins for up to ten seconds. The female lays six to ten eggs, which the male fertilises immediately. They repeat this process until 100 to 200 eggs are attached. The male stays nearby, splashing water on the eggs at a rate of about 38 times per hour to prevent drying. The eggs hatch in 36 to 72 hours, and the fry drop into the water below.
Fish and people
The species is named after Johann Paul Arnold, a German aquarist who collected the first specimen. Due to its small size and interesting breeding habits, it is kept in aquariums. Enthusiasts value it for the unique sight of pairs jumping to lay eggs on leaves above the tank water.
Questions people ask about Splash tetra
How does the splash tetra reproduce?
The pair jumps out of the water to attach eggs to overhanging leaves. The male then stays close and splashes water on the eggs repeatedly to keep them damp until they hatch.
What does the splash tetra eat?
Its diet consists mainly of worms, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. It specifically targets small insects that fall onto the surface of the water in its shallow habitat.
Where is the splash tetra found?
It is native to tropical river basins in South America, ranging from the Orinoco to the Amazon. It lives in shallow streams, forest creeks, and blackwater swamps.
Good reading and sources
- Copella arnoldi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Copella arnoldi", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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