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Blackbanded splash tetra (Copella nigrofasciata) — Lebiasinidae

Blackbanded splash tetra

Copella nigrofasciata
Family: Lebiasinidae

The Blackbanded splash tetra (Copella nigrofasciata) is a freshwater fish of the family Lebiasinidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blackbanded splash tetra is a small characin relative (Lebiasinidae) from blackwater streams of eastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a dark longitudinal band. It lives near the surface of quiet forest streams and eats small insects, larvae and zooplankton. Related splash tetras lay their eggs above water on overhanging leaves; the male splashes the clutch. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackbanded splash tetra?

The Blackbanded splash tetra has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Blackbanded splash tetra live?

The Blackbanded splash tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blackbanded splash tetra get?

The Blackbanded splash tetra grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Blackbanded splash tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackbanded splash tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackbanded splash tetra edible?

Yes, the Blackbanded splash tetra is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartband-spatzalm sourced
English name
Blackbanded splash tetra sourced
Scientific name
Copella nigrofasciata
Family
Lebiasinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Copella

More from the family Lebiasinidae

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