Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Splash Tetra
Copella arnoldi
Also called Splashing tetra, Spraying tetra, Jumping tetra
A peaceful fish that lives near the surface.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 to 5.5 cm (1 to 2 in)123 |
| Coat | Slender surface-dwelling characin |
| Origin | Northern South America: the lower Amazon basin and coastal rivers of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and eastern Venezuela, including the Orinoco mouth.132 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A peaceful fish that lives near the surface. It is a little specialised for a busy community tank and does best with calm companions of a similar size.3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Splash Tetra. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Slender surface-dwelling characin
A slim, light-coloured fish with an upturned mouth made for snapping food from the surface. A dark line runs from the snout to the eye and there is a dark spot on the dorsal fin. It has no adipose fin. Males are larger with longer fins and silvery-white patches on some flank scales.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active near the surface and an accomplished jumper, so a well-fitted lid is needed.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water clean and stable; leave a gap between the water and the lid with overhanging leaves or decor if you would like to see natural spawning.3
Home where they are happiest
A tank with a footprint of at least 90 x 30 cm, with floating plants and a tight cover. Water 20-28 C (FishBase: 25-29 C), pH about 4.0-7.5 (FishBase: 6.0-8.0), soft to medium hardness.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micropredator. Feeds on small insects falling onto the water, worms and tiny crustaceans. Offer fine dry foods plus daily small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp and grindal worms.32
Company who they like around
Keep a group of at least 8-10. Suitable tankmates are similar-sized tetras, small catfish and non-predatory cichlids.3
The story where it all began
Charles Tate Regan described the splash tetra in 1912 and named it after Johann Paul Arnold, a German aquarist who collected the first specimen. Its remarkable habit of laying eggs above the water has made it a classic subject in aquarium and behaviour studies.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A pair leaps out of the water together and clings to an overhanging leaf for up to about ten seconds while laying and fertilising eggs.2
- 2
The male then keeps the eggs moist by flicking water onto them with his tail, sometimes dozens of times an hour, until they hatch.2
- 3
Eggs hatch in about 36-72 hours and the larvae drop into the water below.3
- 4
Unlike most tetras it has no adipose fin.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (September 2020)1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Splash Tetra?
Feed your Splash Tetra small amounts once or twice daily. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding with a mix of fine dry foods and small live or frozen treats.32 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Splash Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
Splash Tetras are micropredators that enjoy small insects, worms, and tiny crustaceans. Offer fine dry foods and daily live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp. For foods to avoid, it varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for specific guidance.32
How much space does a Splash Tetra need?
A Splash Tetra needs a tank with a footprint of at least 90 by 30 cm, with floating plants and a secure lid. This provides enough swimming space near the surface.31
What temperature, light or water does a Splash Tetra need?
Keep water temperature between 20 and 28°C, pH around 4.0 to 7.5, and soft to medium hardness. Provide floating plants and a tight cover; lighting should be moderate to suit the plants.31
How often should I clean a Splash Tetra's home?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly water testing and glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular cleaning keeps the water stable.3 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Splash Tetra live with others?
Yes, Splash Tetras are peaceful and do best in a group of 8 to 10. They can live with similar-sized tetras, small catfish, and non-predatory cichlids. Avoid busy or aggressive tankmates.3
How long does a Splash Tetra live?
The lifespan of a Splash Tetra varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
Can I handle a Splash Tetra?
It's best not to handle your Splash Tetra as it can cause stress and injury. They are active jumpers, so use a net only when necessary.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Copella arnoldi, FishBase fishbase.seused for distribution, max length, water parameters, IUCN status, spawning, author
- Splash tetra, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, history and naming, spawning details, diet
- Copella arnoldi, Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for other names, origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, spawning
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.