Page 110 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

108 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Macropodus opercularis
Paradise Fish

ORIGINS Eastern Asia, occurring in China, Korea,
Vietnam, and islands including Taiwan and Hainan.
SIZE 4 ⁄2 in (11 cm).
1
DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 61–82°F (16–28°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT May be aggressive.
The blue body color of the Paradise Fish is
broken by vertical coppery-orange bands, and black Male
blotches are evident on its head. This species was Paradise Fish
The males are
probably the first tropical fish to be kept in Europe, sometimes very
its attractive patterning and hardiness making it aggressive toward
very popular during the late 1800s. Males, which their intended mates at
can be recognized by their longer fins, grow to a spawning time.
slightly larger size than females. Include retreats
in the tank, and add areas of dense planting.
Floating plants are important for spawning,
because this is where the male will construct the
bubble nest. As many as 500 eggs are laid, with the
fry emerging and becoming free-swimming within
about four days. The young, which grow rapidly,
will initially require a fry food or infusoria.
Albino Paradise Fish Although known as the Albino, this
variant is not pure white, since it retains the coppery
bands along the sides of its body.

Macropodus spechti Macropodus ocellatus Pseudosphromenus cupanus
Black Paradise Fish Chinese Paradise Fish Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish

ORIGINS Asia, where its distribution is restricted to ORIGINS Asia, where it occurs in Korea, eastern China, ORIGINS Asia, being found in southeastern parts of
Vietnam and southern China. and Vietnam. India, and also on the island of Sri Lanka.
SIZE 4 in (12 cm). SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm).
1
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 61–82°F (16–28°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft (50 mg/l)
and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Breeding males quarrel. TEMPERAMENT Can be belligerent. TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive.
With a brownish body and dark-edged scales, this A coppery-brown color typifies these bubble-
species is not as brightly colored as the Paradise nesting Paradise Fish. The sexes are similar, but
Fish itself (see above). However, Black Paradise Fish the males have longer tips on their dorsal and anal
are better suited to mixed aquariums, because fins, and they become more colorful at spawning
they are generally tolerant of other fish. The males time, with red more evident on their underparts.
may be more aggressive toward each other when These fish need a well-planted, partially
they are in breeding condition, which is indicated filled tank with subdued
by a blackening of their coloration. Red ventral Spotted lighting, some algal
fins enable males to be distinguished from females. caudal fin Male growth, and
plenty of
Blue and red
Finely barred retreats.
dorsal fin on anal fin
Chinese Paradise Fish have blackish bodies, and
males are easily distinguished by their long, flowing
fins. They should not be allowed to hybridize with
related species, because the female offspring may
be infertile. Spawning can be encouraged by Long ventral fin
extends along
Broad allowing the water temperature to fall over the undersides
caudal fin winter and then raising it gradually in the spring.

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