Adult males of this species possess fine extensions on the central rays of the caudal fin, along with bright greenish-blue fin edges. There are also two dark bands on the body, which run all the way from the head to the caudal peduncle. Hybridization between the two Pseudosphromenus species is known to occur, with the resulting hybrids being fertile.
Other common names
- Brown Spike-tailed Paradise Fish, Day’s Spiketail
Synonym
- Macropodus dayi
Family
- Belontiidae
Subfamily
- Macropodinae
Distribution
- Range said to include southern and western India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Sumatra, Myanmar (Burma), and the Malabar Coast.
Size
- Up to 3in (7.5cm) reported, but usually smaller.
Behavior
- Peaceful; should not be kept with boisterous tankmates.
Diet
- Wide range of foods accepted.
Aquarium
- Heavily planted, with caves or other shelters and dark substratum. Water chemistry is not critical. Temperature range: around 68 F (20 C) to 82 F (28 C), but may be even wider.
Breeding
- Normally a bubble nester (like P. cupanus); but in colder parts of its range has been reported as spawning like cichlids.
