Red Spotted Splashing Tetra (Pyrrhulina obermulleri) Large Aquarium Glaser

Pyrrhulina obermulleri, commonly known as the Red Spotted Splashing Characin or Rotflossen-Pyrrhulina:

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Pyrrhulina obermulleri (Myers, 1926)
• Common Names: Red Spotted Splashing Characin, Flagtail Pyrrhulina, Rotflossen-Pyrrhulina
• Family: Lebiasinidae (Pencilfishes)
• Origin: Upper Amazon River Basin, Brazil and South America

Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: Up to 6 cm (2.4 inches)
• Lifespan: Estimated 3–5 years in captivity

Water Parameters

• Temperature: ~26°C (79°F)
• pH: Around 6.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group

Appearance

• Slender body with silvery-blue sides and olive back
• Distinctive red spots on body and fins
• Thin black stripe from lip through eye to gill cover
• Reddish fins with blackish-blue edges; clear dorsal fin with black tips

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, shoaling species; best kept in groups of 6–10+
• Active swimmers with quick directional changes
• Compatible with:
  • Dwarf Cichlids
  • Killifish
  • Pencilfish
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Small blackwater Tetras
• Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates like large cichlids or barbs

Diet

• Omnivorous
• Accepts:
  • Micro pellets
  • Frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp)
  • Vegetable matter

Breeding

• Spawning behavior may involve splashing or jumping
• Best bred in paludarium-style setups with emergent plants
• Secure lid required due to jumping tendencies

Tank Setup Tips

• Dense planting with driftwood and leaf litter
• Gentle water flow and subdued lighting
• Peat filtration recommended to mimic blackwater conditions
• Flat, shallow tanks preferred to replicate natural habitat
• Ensure tight-fitting lid to prevent escape