The Splash Tetra or Copeina arnoldi is a freshwater fish that is best known for its elaborate mating ritual. The male and the female will leap out of the water together and attach themselves to low hanging vegetation. In a matter of seconds, they release the eggs and drop back down into the water. They will repeat this process numerous times until 300 or so eggs are laid. After this, the male will periodically splash the eggs with his tail in order to keep them moist. This continues for a couple days until the fry hatch and fall into the water. This entire process is all well documented in the video below...Now that you know how Splash Tetra get their names, you can learn a little more about these amazing freshwater fish. They are also known as the Jumping Characin or Spraying Tetra, and have an elongated body which is normally an olive green or brown with a white underbelly. This species of Tetra has a stripe that is barely darker than its body color that runs from its gill cover to its caudal fin. There is another thinner copper band that runs just above the darker stripe. Males of this species tend to have a bit longer fins that are more colorful with red and black outlines then their female counterparts.
The bizarre mating ritual and the peaceful temperament of this fish makes it a favorite among aquarium lovers. The following water conditions in a tank of 30 gallons or more is acceptable, 73-79° F, KH 4-8, and pH 5.0-8.0. The Splashing Tetra is not a picky eater and will accept brine shrimp, bloodworms, tubiflex, pellet food and flake food. If you have any tips for caring for Splashing Tetra fish please share! 
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