Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish

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Scientific Name

Pseudosphromenus cupanus

Min. Tank Size

20 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

75-82°F

pH

6.0-7.5/5-15°dGH

Size

2.5"

Diet

Carnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Well suited to a community tank; can be kept with Livebearers, Cyprinids, White Clouds, Corydoras, Catfish and Loaches.

Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish

This fish and Day’s Paradise Fish share the nickname Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish. This species is similar in appearance to Day’s Paradise Fish in that its coloration is somewhat muted compared to other paradise fish. Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish are fairly devoid of coloration, having a gray or light brown body with some reddish fringing on the fins and a black spot near the base of the caudal fin. These fish are native to Asia where they can be found in a variety of habitats throughout India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Tank Set-Up

Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish are often found in slow-moving waters such as rice paddies and ditches that are thick with vegetation. Thus, in the home aquarium, they prefer light filtration and densely planted tanks with dark substrate and plenty of hiding places. These fish are fairly peaceful, able to be kept in both species tanks and community tanks with other peaceful species of fish.

Feeding

These fish are not picky eaters – they are likely to accept any foods offered. Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish will thrive on a staple diet of high-quality dried flakes and pellets. In order to encourage healthy growth and coloration, this diet should be supplemented with small live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia and Artemia.

Breeding

Spike-Tailed Paradise Fish are bubble-nesters that tend to breed at lower temperatures in the wild but at higher temperatures in the home aquarium. Prior to spawning, coloration in the males of the species will become more intense and they will begin to build the bubble nest. After spawning, the male will take over the care of the eggs, moving them into the bubble nest and guarding them until they hatch up to two days later.