Red Spotted Splashing Tetra - Pyrrhulina obermulleri : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Spotted Splashing Characin (Pyrrhulina obermulleri) is a distinctive species within the Lebiasinidae family and is a captivating freshwater fish native to South America. Known for its slender body and striking colouration, this species is a member of the Pyrrhulina genus, which is characterized by unique physical and behavioural traits. The fish's elegant appearance, marked by a harmonious blend of colours and patterns, along with its graceful swimming style, makes it a sought-after species among aquarium enthusiasts. These fish make an excellent candidate for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
The Red Spotted Splashing Characins, a shoaling species, exhibit optimal health and behaviour when housed in groups. It is recommended to keep them in groups of at least six, though a larger group of 10 or more is preferable for their social well-being. Considering their relatively small adult size, careful selection of tankmates is essential. They are prone to being intimidated by more aggressive fish and should not be kept with species that might view them as potential prey. Suitable tank companions include smaller Dwarf Cichlids, Killifish, Pencilfish, Corydoras Catfish, and other small blackwater Tetras.
For the Red Spotted Splashing Characins, creating an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat is key to their well-being in captivity. This involves setting up a mature aquarium that provides ample swimming space and gentle water flow, complemented with driftwood and a rich variety of aquatic plants.
Incorporating peat filtration can be beneficial, enhancing the water quality to suit their needs. Ideally, their environment should mimic a low water level or be arranged in a paludarium style with emergent plants, facilitating their natural behaviours, especially during spawning. Due to their tendency to jump, a securely fitted aquarium lid is essential to prevent escape, ensuring that there are no gaps around any equipment.
The Red Spotted Splashing Characin is distinguished by its slender physique, featuring an olive back and silvery-blue sides adorned with red spots. A thin black stripe extends from the lip, through the eye, to the edge of the gill cover, adding to their striking appearance. Their fins are predominantly reddish with blackish-blue borders, except for the dorsal fin, which is clear with black markings on the tips. This distinctive colouration makes them a visually appealing addition to any suitable aquarium setup.
Red Spotted Splashing Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Red Spotted Splashing Characins exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism; typically, males are more vibrant in colouration and may display more pronounced finnage, especially during the breeding season, as these characteristics are instrumental in attracting mates. The males often have elongated and more ornate dorsal fins, which are a key feature in their courtship displays. On the other hand, females tend to be less vivid in color and have a rounder, fuller body shape, particularly when gravid, indicating the presence of eggs.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pyrrhulina obermulleri |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1926 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Lebiasinidae |
| Genus | Pygocentrus |
| Origins | Peru |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 12 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Red Spotted Splashing Characin, a species native to the upper Amazon River Basin, particularly in the Maynas Province of Peru, South America, is a distinctive inhabitant of this region's freshwater ecosystems. This Characin species is commonly found in tranquil water bodies, including streams, rivers, and ponds. These environments, characterized by an abundance of vegetation, provide the ideal conditions for the Red Spotted Splashing Characin to thrive.
Breeding
Breeding Red Spotted Splashing Characins is a relatively straightforward process, offering an extraordinary display of reproductive behaviour that is a must-see for enthusiasts. For successful breeding, it's advisable to place a pair or trio in a smaller tank outfitted with a sponge filter and an abundance of Java Moss or floating plants.
The water level should be kept about 10cm below the tank's top, with the sponge filter's flow adjusted towards the sides and surface of the tank. This setup helps create a humid microclimate under the tank lid, crucial for their unique spawning process.
During spawning, these Characins exhibit remarkable behaviour where they leap onto the aquarium glass or lid, using their enlarged pelvic fins to adhere to the surface. This coordinated leaping results in the laying of approximately a dozen eggs per jump, potentially leading to over a hundred eggs in total with multiple females.
After spawning, it's necessary to remove the female(s), leaving the male to diligently guard the eggs. He engages in a unique behaviour of flicking water onto the eggs with his tail, a trait that contributes to their nickname. The male will take care of the eggs, even in the case of multiple nests.
The eggs usually hatch within two to three days, leading to the fry dropping into the water. At this stage, the male should be removed, and the fry should initially be fed with infusoria and paramecium. The Java Moss and floating plants in the tank also serve as a source of nourishment for the fry.
After about ten days, the fry grows sufficiently to feed on vinegar eels or newly hatched brine shrimp. To ensure their healthy development, regular partial water changes are important to maintain the water quality. This breeding process not only contributes to the population of Red Spotted Splashing Characins but also provides a fascinating insight into their unique life cycle for the aquarist.
Diet & Feeding
In its natural habitat, Red Spotted Splashing Characins primarily feed on a diet consisting of small invertebrates and aquatic insects, showcasing its opportunistic and carnivorous feeding behaviour. In an aquarium setting, replicating this natural diet is crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of these fish. A balanced diet should include a variety of live and frozen foods, such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp, to closely mimic their natural prey. Additionally, high-quality commercial fish foods formulated for small carnivorous species can be incorporated to ensure a comprehensive nutrient intake.
It's important to feed in controlled portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. This approach not only meets their nutritional needs but also encourages their natural foraging behaviours, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of Red Spotted Splashing Characins in a captive environment.
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