Splashing Tetra

Famous for how it breeds: a pair jumps out of the water to lay eggs on an overhanging leaf, and the male splashes them to keep them wet. It is a slim, peaceful fish, and it needs a tight lid.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Suits a community of similar-sized, peaceful fish that like the same water. Avoid large predators, which will treat it as food. It may eat baby shrimp.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Hunts insects at the surface. Floating flake, fruit flies, mosquito larvae and small frozen foods keep it in good condition.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

A pair leaps out of the water together to lay eggs on an overhanging leaf or the tank glass. The male then splashes them with his tail every so often until they hatch and fall into the water. Lower the water level, and keep the tank tightly covered.