The Splashing Tetra is a peaceful fish that can be housed in any community aquarium. The body is long and slender and is gold/silver in color. The males of this species have longer fins and are slightly larger than their female counterpart. The fins of the male also exhibit more color with red and black outlines. This fish gets its name from their breeding behavior. When breeding, both the male and the female leave the water and lay their eggs on an overhanging plant. While the eggs are maturing, the male splashes water on them to keep them from drying out.
The Splashing Tetra can be housed in a community aquarium with soft or brackish water. Plants, rocks, and driftwood help to enhance its natural habitat and provide hiding places. This is a peaceful fish that the beginner to the expert aquarist would benefit from having. A tight sealed top is a must with these fish, as they do jump.
The Splashing Tetra will breed occasionally in an aquarium setting and a hospital or "breeding tank" will be necessary. Slightly acidic water is best for optimal breeding habits. When the time comes to spawn, both the male and female will jump to an overhanging leaf that is out of the water. They use their fins to clamp on to the leaf, and the female will lay her eggs on the leaf with the male fertilizing them shortly after. After the eggs have been fertilized, the male will remain at the surface of the water where he keeps the eggs moist by splashing water on them. The eggs will then hatch in approximately 2 days at which time the fry will fall back into the water.
The Splashing Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Jim V Salem, OR
An outstanding elegant and large tetra. Should be kept in a school, 3 minimum, better 6+. They need a well-planted tank and tend to stay in the upper one-third of the tank. They like to take food from the surface and will not usually take food off the bottom. An ideal conditioning live food for them is wingless fruit flies. They are great leapers so keep their tank covered at all times.
