Copeina

About

Copeina (Pyrrhulina spilota) is a small but characterful fish from the upper Amazon basin in Peru, where it inhabits slow-moving or standing waters shaded by dense vegetation. It belongs to the family Lebiasinidae, a group of pencilfish relatives that often get overlooked in favor of flashier tetras, but Pyrrhulina spilota has plenty going for it. The body is elongated and torpedo-shaped, marked with a dark lateral spot or blotch that gives the species its name, and males typically develop richer coloration and more pronounced finnage than females. In the aquarium this fish does best with plenty of surface cover, floating plants work well, since it is a natural surface-dweller and can be a capable jumper, so a tight-fitting lid matters. Temperament is generally peaceful, though males can be mildly territorial with one another, particularly when spawning activity ramps up. Like other pyrrhulines, this species practices a form of parental care that is genuinely interesting to observe: males guard eggs that are deposited on leaves or other flat surfaces near the waterline. It is not the most demanding fish to keep, but some experience with soft, slightly acidic water conditions will serve you well.