Black-banded Copella Care Guide
Copella nigrofasciata is a slender top-dwelling lebiasinid from northern South America, with a thin black lateral stripe; now treated as a synonym of Copella callolepis.
Overview
Copella nigrofasciata is a slender, top-dwelling fish of the family Lebiasinidae, marked by a thin black lateral stripe. It reaches roughly 4-6 cm. In recent taxonomic work the name is treated as a junior synonym of Copella callolepis, but the original name is widely used in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lebiasinidae
- Genus: Copella
- Scientific name: Copella nigrofasciata (Meinken, 1952)
- Note: now regarded as a junior synonym of Copella callolepis
Habitat
Species of Copella occur in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and in the coastal drainages of Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela. The fish inhabits calm, vegetation-rich waters that provide cover near the surface.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- A well-planted, calm tank with a secure lid suits this surface fish
Diet
Copella nigrofasciata is a micropredator. It should be offered small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm, with dried foods accepted as a supplement. As a surface-oriented species it favours foods taken from the upper water column.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, gregarious top-dweller best kept in a group of six or more. It mixes well with other calm community fish such as tetras. Aggressive or boisterous tankmates should be avoided, and a secure lid is advised as Copella species can jump.