Splash Tetra (Copella arnoldi) for Sale in Canada

The Splash Tetra (Copella arnoldi) is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish available to aquarium hobbyists. This unique South American species is famous for its extraordinary breeding behaviour, in which adults can leap from the water to deposit eggs on leaves or other surfaces above the waterline.

Also known as the Splashing Tetra, Copella arnoldi combines elegant appearance, peaceful behaviour, and unusual natural instincts. Its elongated body, attractive markings, and active surface swimming make it an excellent choice for aquarists looking for something different from more common tetra species.

Splash Tetras are social fish and are best kept in groups. They appreciate a mature aquarium with clean water, gentle to moderate filtration, dense planting, and floating vegetation. Because they spend much of their time near the surface, a secure aquarium lid is essential.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers Splash Tetra (Copella arnoldi) for Canadian aquarium hobbyists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.

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Why Choose Splash Tetra?

A Unique South American Surface-Dwelling Fish

Splash Tetras are especially prized for their:

Unique Features

Premium Characteristics

• Fascinating splash spawning behaviour
• Elegant elongated body
• Active surface swimming
• Peaceful community temperament
• Social schooling behaviour
• Unique South American freshwater species
• Excellent planted aquarium fish
• Interesting natural breeding instincts

Their unusual behaviour makes them a particularly rewarding species for aquarists who enjoy observing natural fish behaviour.

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Aquarium Size

A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a small group of Splash Tetras. A longer aquarium is especially beneficial because these active fish appreciate horizontal swimming space near the surface.

Recommended Aquarium Setup

• Mature biological filtration
• Gentle to moderate water movement
• Good oxygenation
• Live aquatic plants
• Floating plants
• Driftwood
• Dark or natural substrate
• Open surface swimming areas
• Secure, tight-fitting aquarium lid

The aquarium should have some open water near the surface while still providing planted areas for security.

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Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Copella arnoldi
• Common Name: Splash Tetra
• Also Known As: Splashing Tetra
• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm)
• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• GH: 2–12 dGH
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore
• Swimming Level: Primarily surface and upper levels
• Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years with proper care

Stable, clean water is important for maintaining healthy and active Splash Tetras.

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Feeding Your Splash Tetra

Splash Tetras are omnivorous and readily accept a varied diet of appropriately sized foods.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality small floating pellets
• Fine tropical granules
• Quality flakes
• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Cyclops
• Small insects
• Baby brine shrimp

Because this species naturally feeds close to the water surface, floating and slowly sinking foods are particularly suitable.

A varied diet helps support healthy growth, condition, and natural behaviour.

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Ideal Planted Aquarium

Splash Tetras can look spectacular in a natural South American-style planted aquarium.

Recommended Plants

• Amazon Sword
• Water Sprite
• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Cryptocoryne
• Vallisneria
• Floating plants
• Amazon Frogbit
• Salvinia

Floating vegetation can provide a sense of security and help soften bright aquarium lighting. Leave some open surface areas so the fish can swim and feed naturally.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Splash Tetras are peaceful and can be maintained with other calm freshwater community fish.

Suitable Tank Mates

• Peaceful tetras
• Cardinal Tetras
• Neon Tetras
• Ember Tetras
• Small Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Hatchetfish
• Small peaceful Gouramis
• Apistogramma
• Other peaceful South American fish

Avoid:

• Large predatory fish
• Highly aggressive cichlids
• Large fin-nipping species
• Extremely aggressive tank mates
• Fish large enough to view Splash Tetras as prey

Always choose tank mates with similar environmental requirements and peaceful temperaments.

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Schooling Behaviour

Splash Tetras are social fish and should be kept in groups.

Recommended Group Size

Keep 6 or more, with larger groups generally encouraging more confident and natural behaviour.

A proper group can promote:

• Greater confidence
• Reduced stress
• Natural social interactions
• More active swimming
• More interesting display behaviour

A group also creates a more impressive surface-level display in a planted aquarium.

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The Famous Splash Spawning Behaviour

One of the most remarkable characteristics of Copella arnoldi is its unique reproductive behaviour.

How Splash Tetras Spawn

During breeding, a pair may leap together from the water onto a suitable leaf or surface positioned above the waterline. The female deposits eggs, and the male fertilizes them.

The adults then return to the water. The male may remain nearby and splash water toward the eggs to keep them moist until they hatch.

Why This Behaviour Is So Special

This remarkable adaptation helps protect eggs from many aquatic predators while they develop above the water.

Aquarists attempting to breed Splash Tetras may provide suitable broad leaves or other safe surfaces above the waterline while ensuring the aquarium remains securely covered.

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Breeding Splash Tetras

Breeding Copella arnoldi can be an especially rewarding project for experienced aquarists.

Breeding Tips

• Condition healthy adults with nutritious foods
• Maintain excellent water quality
• Provide broad leaves or suitable spawning surfaces
• Keep the water level appropriate for spawning behaviour
• Maintain warm, stable conditions
• Use a secure cover to prevent fish from escaping during jumping
• Protect eggs from drying out

Because of their unusual reproductive strategy, observing Splash Tetra breeding can be one of the most interesting experiences in freshwater fishkeeping.

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Keeping Your Splash Tetra Healthy

Important Care Tips

• Keep the aquarium securely covered
• Maintain stable water parameters
• Perform regular water changes
• Provide a varied diet
• Keep them in an appropriate group
• Avoid aggressive tank mates
• Provide plants and surface cover
• Leave open swimming areas near the surface

A mature, stable aquarium is ideal for helping this species thrive.

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Why Buy Splash Tetra from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish

Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects Splash Tetras for:

• Healthy body condition
• Active swimming
• Strong feeding response
• Attractive natural appearance
• Premium aquarium quality

Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada

Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.

Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large does a Splash Tetra grow?

Splash Tetras generally reach approximately 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm) as adults.

2. Why is it called a Splash Tetra?

The species is famous for its unusual breeding behaviour. Adults can jump from the water to lay eggs on surfaces above the waterline, while the male splashes water to keep the eggs moist.

3. Are Splash Tetras peaceful?

Yes. Splash Tetras are generally peaceful and can be kept with appropriately sized, non-aggressive community fish.

4. How many Splash Tetras should I keep?

A group of 6 or more is recommended to encourage natural social behaviour and reduce stress.

5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Splash Tetras across Canada?

Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Splash Tetras arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.