[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Spike-tailed Paradise Fish (Pseudosphromenus cupanus)

Although the synonym for this fish is now disappearing from aquarium literature, it is still encountered from time to time. The name is a relic of the days when this species and P. dayi (Day’s Spike-tailed Paradise Fish) were believed to be more closely related to Macropodus opercularis than they actually are. Both Pseudosphromenus were also once believed to be subspecies, rather than distinct valid species.

Other common name

• Red-eye Spiketail

Synonym

• Macropodus cupanus

Family

• Belontiidae

Subfamily

• Macropodinae

Distribution

• Probably from southern India originally; now found in Sri Lanka and (possibly) Bengal, Myanmar (Burma), Sumatra, and Tonkin (north Vietnam).

Size

• Around 2 1/2in (6cm).

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).

Breeding

• Male builds bubble nest under broad leaf or in a cave. Egg care usually undertaken by male, but female may participate. Eggs hatch after about 2 days.