Copeland's Tetra

Hyphessobrycon copelandi is distributed across Colombia and Peru in slow-moving, forest-shaded streams and pools characterised by soft, acidic water with abundant leaf litter. The body is slender and elongated for the genus, with a warm amber-gold tint, a faint dark lateral stripe, and reddish fin colouration that intensifies in conditioned blackwater.

In the aquarium, the best results come from a dedicated blackwater setup with dark substrate, botanicals, and gentle filtration. Groups of eight or more display natural schooling behaviour and the males will spar gently with each other in low-intensity fin-flaring displays that are harmless and entertaining.

This species is not difficult once its water requirements are met. Varied feeding with micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods maintains peak health and colouration.

Water: 23–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft (GH 1–10, KH 0–5); tannins and botanicals recommended. Tank: 60 L minimum; blackwater planted tank with dark substrate and gentle flow. Feeding: Micro-pellets, crushed flake, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; fine-leaved plants; condition with live foods; remove adults after spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful with other small blackwater tetras, pencilfish, corydoras, and apistogrammas.