Spotted Copella

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed in the Amazon and Rio Negro basins. Prefers slow forest streams, flooded forests (igapó) loaded with tannins ("blackwater") and extremely dense marginal vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Spotted Tetra (Copella nattereri). Fish of the Lebiasinidae family, of modest size (about 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches). Elongated morphology but less specialized for jumping than C. arnoldi, with a slightly superior mouth.

Social Behavior: Gregarious and extremely peaceful fish, often very shy. It must absolutely live in schools (minimum 8-10 individuals) to overcome the chronic shyness that would otherwise lead it to hide continuously.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Translucent silvery-olive body, crossed by a marked and characteristic horizontal black stripe that goes from the snout to the caudal fin. The male develops unpaired fins (dorsal, anal) with very prolonged red tips and is more slender than the female.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a well-planted tank of at least 60-80 cm (24-32 inches), with dim lighting shielded by abundant floating plants (e.g. Pistia). Dark bottom and intricate branches will recreate the necessary sense of security. Tight lid.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Particularly appreciates small crustaceans and insects (brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae). In the aquarium it quickly gets used to very fine granules or crushed flakes, preferring to feed in mid-water.

Water Quality: Excels in decidedly soft (very low GH) and acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) waters, colored by tannins extracted from peat or dry leaves. Extremely intolerant to nitrates and chemical fluctuations due to lack of maintenance.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect candidate for peaceful and slow Amazonian biotopes. Ideal tankmate for Nannostomus (pencil fish), small Paracheirodon (Neons) and dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma). Avoid restless fish (e.g. Danios) that would stress them to death.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unlike C. arnoldi, it spawns "normally" *underwater*, laying eggs on the underside of a broad leaf (Anubias or Echinodorus). The male fiercely defends the leaf until hatching (24-48 hours).

Risks and Diseases: Very susceptible to external parasites (Oodinium) and fungi if kept in basic or hard tap water. Fragile in the initial acclimatization phase due to transport stress.