Blackbanded Pyrrhulina
Copella nigrofasciata
A dapper little Amazonian splasher with devoted fathering instincts.
About
The blackbanded pyrrhulina (Copella nigrofasciata) is a slender, small-bodied characid from a broad stretch of the Amazon basin, with confirmed populations across Peruvian drainages including the Ucayali and Putumayo rivers, and extending through Brazilian waters all the way to the Amazon estuary in Pará State. As the common name suggests, dark horizontal banding runs along the body, giving it a neat, understated pattern compared to some of its flashier relatives. Adults stay modest in size, rarely pushing past two inches, which makes them easy to work with in a planted setup. In the wild this species inhabits soft, slightly acidic waters typical of Amazonian lowland habitats, and it appreciates similar conditions in captivity. Behaviorally, one of the more interesting things about this fish is its reproductive strategy. Males take on the role of guarding eggs deposited on submerged plant material, a parental behavior shared with close relatives like Copella nattereri. A peaceful disposition makes it a reasonable community fish with other small, non-aggressive species, though its care requirements around water quality and diet put it more comfortably in the hands of a keeper who already has some experience with soft-water Amazonian fish. Provide good plant cover and a secure lid, as small characids can be jumpy.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Blackbanded Pyrrhulina
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina get?
- The Blackbanded Pyrrhulina reaches about 1–2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina need?
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina need?
- The Blackbanded Pyrrhulina does best with a temperature of 70–77°F, a pH of 6–7, hardness around 6–8 dGH.
- Is the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina aggressive?
- The Blackbanded Pyrrhulina is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina eat?
- The Blackbanded Pyrrhulina is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina live?
- With good care, the Blackbanded Pyrrhulina typically lives 5-8 years.