TankBud

Red-spotted tetra

Copeina guttata

Also known as Redspotted copeina, Red spotted characin, Spotted copeina, Red Spot Splash Tetra

FreshwaterFish

Red-spotted tetra (Copeina guttata)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Adult size
3.9 in
10 cm
Minimum tank
32 gal
120 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Easy
Rarity
Rare
Family
Lebiasinidae
Origin
Native to the middle Amazon River basin in South America.

Overview

The red-spotted tetra is an active, boisterous fish that swims in the middle of a roomy tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

The red-spotted tetra has a maximum standard length near 7.6 cm, according to FishBase. Aquarium fish are often reported a little larger.

Caring for the red-spotted tetra

Keep a small group of red-spotted tetras in a roomy tank of at least 32 gal (120 L), with open swimming space. They are active and will jump, so fit a secure lid.

They are adaptable fish that cope with a range of conditions. Aim for 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Red-spotted tetras are mostly peaceful but boisterous, so choose robust rather than timid tank mates.

Males are studded with rows of red spots. In the breeding season they color up strongly, turning boldly spotted and colorful, and they spar during spawning. The male digs a shallow pit in the sand and guards the clutch, unlike most tetras, which scatter their eggs and abandon them. Breeding them is easy.

Good to know

The red-spotted tetra, Copeina guttata, is one of the larger members of the family Lebiasinidae. It also goes by redspotted copeina, red spotted characin, spotted copeina and red spot splash tetra.

In the wild

The red-spotted tetra comes from the middle Amazon River basin in South America. It lives in streams and flooded areas, often near the surface in open water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The red-spotted tetra is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a red-spotted tetra need?

A red-spotted tetra needs at least 32 gal (120 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a red-spotted tetra need?

A red-spotted tetra is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.

How big does a red-spotted tetra get?

An adult red-spotted tetra reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm).

How can you tell a male red-spotted tetra from a female?

Males are studded with rows of red spots. In the breeding season they turn boldly spotted and colorful.

How does a red-spotted tetra breed?

The male red-spotted tetra digs a shallow pit in the sand and guards the eggs, unlike most tetras. Males color up strongly and spar during spawning. Breeding them is easy.

Related species