The cardinal Tetra is less widespread than the traditional Neon Tetra because until recently it was difficult to breed in captivity. But nowadays breeders are far more successful in producing the fish in captivity. The only problem with this is that if we buy from breeders then the fish keepers from Brazil who rely on the fish for income will turn to deforestation of the rain forest which is a large environmental issue.

Copella Arnoldi

This breed is commonly known as Spraying Characin. Copella arnoldi has a dark brown-yellow back, flanks and belly yellowish to greenish with a rusty sheen and greenish gold gill covers. The fish grows around 3 inches in size and comes from Guiana, Venezuela, and Brazil. Sprays have elongated fins, as well as a slim body. Spraying Characin feeds on all foods and prefers neutral or soft water conditions. It is the only freshwater fish to deposit its eggs out of water and exhibit parental care for its emergent eggs.

How do the fish breed?

Spraying Characin spawns on the surface of overhanging leaves. In addition, the fish may spawn on the bottom surface of the aquarium. Spraying Characin prefer to breed in thinly planted aquariums, with around 15 gallons of water is added. The water level is usually 1 ½ inches below the glass cover.

In the wild male and female fish leap out of the water together about three to four inches and use their ventral fins for suction to briefly hold themselves onto the spawning surface. During the approximate ten seconds of adhesion to the leaf, the female lays 5 to 12 eggs and the male immediately fertilizes them while the female falls back into the water. After another five to ten minute chase, the procedure is repeated several times, spawning in the same spot until the female is completely spawned out. The fish are careful not to lay eggs on top of each other or knock off already deposited eggs. In total some 50 to 200 eggs are laid

How are the eggs maintained inside a fish tank?

Once the fish spawn, remove the female fish from the tank. Contrary to mother natures arrangement the male takes care of the eggs. The male will splash water over the eggs. However if any of them fall into the water the male will eat them. If you notice the male attempting to eat the eggs, remove him also from the tank.

Egg care:

Once you remove the male from the tank, fix an aerator stone in the tank. The stones will promote spray to bubble, which will maintain the health of the eggs. Lastly, you want to remove the male fish again around the fourth day, since the spawn will seep into the water.

Copeina Guttata:

Copeina Guttata is known as the Red-spotted Copeina; this fish comes from Central Amazonia and grows around 4 inches in size. Outside of aquariums, this fish grows around 5 inches in size. The fish combines orange-red colors with yellow fins and bluish-silver body.

This fish is easy to keep and ideal for larger aquariums. The fish is peaceful, and a good addition to a communal tank residency. The fish requires the same feeding patterns and water condition as the Copella Arnoldi fish.