Red-back Paradise Fish (Macropodus erythropterus) Care Guide
Macropodus erythropterus is a hardy Vietnamese paradise fish with a brick-red back, endemic to a single river basin and tolerant of cooler water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Macropodus erythropterus, the red-back paradise fish, is a labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae described by Freyhof & Herder in 2002. It displays a brick-red back and dorsal fin against turquoise flanks and is hardy, tolerating cooler water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Macropodus
- Scientific name: Macropodus erythropterus
- Described by: Freyhof & Herder, 2002
Some authorities have recommended treating M. erythropterus as a junior synonym of M. spechti, and the IUCN notes that the validity of the species requires confirmation.
Habitat
The species is endemic to central Vietnam, known only from the Quang Tri River within the Giang River basin. It inhabits hill streams with submerged roots and overhanging vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 16-26 °C (61-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
A planted tank with low flow, surface cover and a secure lid suits this air-breathing fish. Its tolerance of cooler temperatures allows unheated or lightly heated set-ups in temperate rooms.
Diet
An omnivore, the red-back paradise fish takes small live and frozen invertebrate foods alongside prepared diets. Variety supports colour and condition.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive species suits robust mid-sized companions. Long-finned fish and tiny nano fish should be avoided because they may be nipped or harassed.
Breeding
The species is a bubble-nest builder; the male constructs a surface nest and guards the eggs and fry, as in other Macropodus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient. Both the limited range and the uncertain species validity contribute to the lack of a firm assessment.
Red-back Paradise Fish Breeding Guide
Overview
Macropodus erythropterus is a paradise fish endemic to central Vietnam, where Wikipedia records it from the Quang Tri River basin in hill streams with submerged roots and overhanging vegetation. It grows to about 70-80 mm standard length according to Seriously Fish and is a bubble-nesting labyrinth fish.
Sexing
Seriously Fish states that males are larger than females and possess extended soft rays in the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. These differences become most apparent as fish reach breeding condition.
Conditioning
Adults are conditioned on a varied diet before spawning. Seriously Fish notes that soft water with a slightly raised temperature is said to induce reproductive behaviour. A base of at least 80 x 30 cm is recommended for the species.
Breeding Setup
The species tolerates a broad range, with Seriously Fish listing 20-30 C, pH 6.0-8.0 and hardness 90-357 ppm. A well-planted tank with floating cover gives the male a site to build his surface bubble nest.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male constructs his nest within surface vegetation. According to Seriously Fish, spawning normally occurs beneath the nest in an embrace typical of osphronemids, with the male wrapped around the female; several hundred eggs are usually deposited. The oil-rich eggs float upward to the nest, often with the male's assistance.
Egg & Fry Care
Post-spawning the adults can normally be left in situ; the female is usually tolerated by the male and may help defend the area around the nest. The eggs remain in the nest until the yolk sac is absorbed. Seriously Fish advises feeding an infusoria-grade food for the first few days, after which the fry accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii, with small regular water changes.
Common Challenges
As a semi-aggressive paradise fish, the male can harass a female that is not ready, so cover and conditioning are important. Maintaining stable conditions and ample surface plants supports nest stability and fry survival.