Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
None
Names
Scientific name
Moenkhausia copei
Tetragonopterus copei
Common name
Tetra copei
Origin
Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco rivers)
Biotope: Amazonian
Dimorphism
The male is finer and more colourful than the female. The adult female has a round belly.
Group
Characidae
Volume
200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal
Parameters
T°: 24 to 26°C or 75 to 79°F
pH: 5.8 to 7.2
Hardness: 20 to 30°dGH
Difficulty
Average
Size
6cm (2.4")
Longevity
3 to 5 years
Living zone
Middle and top
Individuals
10
Food
Food
How to feed the Tetra copei?
Easy to feed, this fish is an omnivore. In the wild, it feeds on insects, micro-crustaceans and plants. In captivity, you can easily feed it live, frozen or dry food. Finally, for this type of fish, the secret to good nutrition is in the variety of menus on offer!
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Tetra copei have?
Very gregarious, this fish absolutely needs the presence of its congeners to live properly. A group of at least 10 fish is recommended for the proper maintenance of this species. Thus, they express a more natural behaviour and much more intense colours.
A hierarchy will set up in the group, the males continually seeking to attract the attention of the females.
In a well-planted aquarium in which he feels safe, he is quite active but remains very peaceful.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Tetra copei?
This peaceful fish does not pose any particular cohabitation problems and can live in a community aquarium without difficulty.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Tetra copei?
It is very difficult to successfully reproduce this species of Moenkhausia in captivity. Moreover, most of the specimens sold come from fishing in the wild.
Following parades, the female will expel her eggs that the male fertilizes. The eggs are deposited either on the ground or in plants. Incubation lasts about 2 days and it will take another 2 days for the fry to swim freely. The parents do not take care of the fry, so it is best to remove the parents from the aquarium after laying.
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Tetra copei?
The Moenkhausia copei appreciates large aquariums that are well planted and offer sufficient shade. However, it needs enough room to swim without being disturbed. Therefore, you should plant the aquarium mainly at the bottom and sides (U-shaped planting). Complete your plant decoration with roots to give relief. To complete the natural look, install a sandy substrate and add a few dried leaves to the bottom of the aquarium.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
The taxonomic status of all species of the genus Moenkhausia is currently "Incertae sedis", which means that it is uncertain. The genus is currently used as a catch-all species for a large number of small characid species. Most experts agree that a complete overhaul is necessary, with the likely result that many of them will be placed in new or different genera.
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