Copeland's Tetra
Megalamphodus copelandi
Tetra with a stocky body similar to that of the 'Rosy Tetra'. The spectacular dorsal and anal fins exhibit clear black and white margins and tips, extremely high in mature males.
Température de l’eau
22 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
5.5 - 7
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Milieu
Taille adulte
4 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 6
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
25 - 210 ppm
Conductivité
39 - 328 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the Solimões River basin (upper Amazon River) in Brazil. Frequents floodplain lakes, oxbows, and slow watercourses within the forest, where the water is often turbid or "white" and rich in plant debris.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Copeland's Tetra (Megalamphodus copelandi). Species belonging to the "Rosy Tetra" clade. Tall and laterally compressed body, with a pronounced dorsal fin, typical of elegantly swimming mid-water characins.
Social Behavior: Gregarious, active, and hierarchical nature. Males engage in frequent displays of strength by puffing out their fins to intimidate rivals or impress females, without ever causing injury. Schooling is indispensable (minimum 8).
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The body has a warm pinkish or reddish hue. A peculiarity is the tall, black dorsal fin with a white or pinkish apex. Females are noticeably stockier with short fins; males exhibit much more vibrant colors.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: An aquarium of at least 60-80 cm (24-32 inches). Appreciates a light or dark sand bottom, plenty of knotty wood to break visual lines, and dense planting on the sides (e.g. Echinodorus) leaving the center free for displays.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivore (Micro-predator). Willingly accepts granules and flakes. The key to developing the vibrant red coloration is a varied diet that includes abundant live or frozen food (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms).
Water Quality: Flexible and hardy fish. Prefers soft and weakly acidic to neutral water (pH 5.5-7.0, GH 1-10). Water purity is vital to prevent the deterioration of the large male fins.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent companion for Amazonian community tanks. Splendidly shares space with Corydoras, Loricariids, dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus), and other peaceful tetras of the same size.
Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous species. In the morning, pairs scatter adhesive eggs among bushes of fine-leaved plants (Java moss). There is no parental care; remove the adults to save the brood.
Risks and Diseases: Very robust if kept in a school. An isolated specimen will quickly waste away from stress. Moderately susceptible to Ichthyophthirius (white spot disease) in case of sudden thermal shocks.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Originating from the Solimões River basin (upper Amazon River) in Brazil. Frequents floodplain lakes, oxbows, and slow watercourses within the forest, where the water is often turbid or "white" and rich in plant debris.
Origine
Amazonie, Orénoque et GuyanesAmérique du Nord
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- This is a highly peaceful and somewhat shy species that thrives in a calm environment. They are a schooling fish that relies on the presence of conspecifics to feel safe and exhibit their best behavior. When kept in sufficiently large groups, they are active and inquisitive without ever bothering tank mates.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- This species is an opportunistic omnivore that will easily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be provided daily. For optimal health and coloration, supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Espérance de vie
- 3 years
- Taille adulte
- 4 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- School
- Maintaining a proper sex ratio is less critical for this species compared to some others, as they are a schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of at least eight to ten individuals ensures natural behavior and reduces stress. Having a mix of males and females can help diffuse any minor squabbles among displaying males.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- These active fish benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day rather than one large meal. Feeding them two to three times daily with amounts they can consume in under two minutes is ideal. This schedule helps prevent bloating and keeps water parameters stable by reducing uneaten food.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- This species produces a very minimal bioload due to its small physical size. It is highly suitable for smaller aquariums or heavily planted setups. However, standard filtration and regular water changes remain essential.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Originating from slow-moving tributaries and forested pools, they prefer gentle to moderate water currents. High flow environments can quickly exhaust these fish and cause them significant stress. A sponge filter or a baffled hang-on-back filter provides the perfect amount of water movement.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are egg scatterers that do not provide any parental care to their offspring after spawning. To encourage breeding, a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants is required. Once eggs are laid and fertilized, the adult fish must be removed promptly to prevent them from eating the eggs.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- This species is exceptionally peaceful and does well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. They should never be kept with large or boisterous species that might view them as food. Ideal tank mates include small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle
- This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium water column during normal activities. They are active swimmers that appreciate ample open swimming space in the center of the tank. They will frequently dart in and out of plant thickets or hardscape for cover when resting.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,2 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5002
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00977, b = 3.06
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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