[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Chinese Paradise Fish (Macropodus ocellatus)

This exceptionally beautiful species is seen much less frequently than its two closest relatives, M. concolor (Black Paradise Fish) and M. opercularis (Paradise Fish). Despite one of its common names, the caudal fin of fully adult males tends to have a blunted-tip profile rather than a smoothly rounded one. This species is known to hybridize with M. opercularis: the hybrids are sometimes referred to as Matte’s Paradise Fish.

Other common name

• Round-tailed Paradise Fish

Synonym

• Macropodus chinensis

Family

• Belontiidae

Subfamily

• Macropodinae

Distribution

• Southern China and (possibly) Korea.

Size

• Males around 3in (8cm); females smaller.

Behavior

• Considerably less aggressive than M. opercularis (Paradise Fish), but territorial during breeding.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Spacious, well planted, with some open areas and shelters. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: around 61°F (16°C) to 79°F (26°C).

Breeding

• Male builds bubble nests and vigorously defends nest, eggs, and subsequent fry until they become free swimming. Hatching takes about 1 day.