Black Paradise Fish (Macropodus spechti) Care Guide
Macropodus spechti is a dark-bodied Vietnamese paradise fish with metallic blue fin iridescence, hardy and tolerant of cooler water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Macropodus spechti, the black paradise fish, is a dark-bodied labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae from Vietnam, showing metallic blue iridescence in the fins. It was described by Schreitmuller in 1936.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Macropodus
- Scientific name: Macropodus spechti
- Described by: Schreitmuller, 1936
- Common synonyms: Macropodus concolor
Habitat
The species is endemic to Vietnam, recorded from the Thu Bon and Perfume river systems. It inhabits hill streams, lowland streams and irrigation ditches in farmland, as well as backwaters of larger rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 16-26 °C (61-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
A planted aquarium with low flow, surface cover and a secure lid suits this air-breathing fish. Its tolerance of cooler temperatures allows lightly heated or unheated set-ups in temperate rooms.
Diet
An omnivore, the black paradise fish accepts small live and frozen invertebrate foods alongside prepared diets, with variety supporting condition and colour.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive species, slightly more peaceful than the common paradise fish, suits robust mid-sized companions. Long-finned fish and tiny nano fish should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a bubble-nest builder, with the male tending a surface nest and guarding the developing eggs and fry, as in other Macropodus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient. Little detailed ecological information is documented for the species.
Black Paradise Fish Breeding Guide
Overview
Macropodus spechti is a dark-bodied paradise fish from Vietnam, reaching about 70-80 mm standard length according to Seriously Fish. It is a bubble-nesting labyrinth fish and is slightly more peaceful than the common paradise fish.
Sexing
Seriously Fish states that males are larger and possess extended soft rays in the dorsal, anal and caudal fins, while females become paler as they approach spawning readiness.
Conditioning
Adults are brought into condition on a varied diet. According to Seriously Fish, soft water with a slightly raised temperature is said to induce reproductive behaviour. A minimum base of around 80 x 30 cm suits the species.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish lists general conditions of 20-30 C, pH 6.0-8.0 and hardness 90-357 ppm. Surface vegetation gives the male a place to build his nest, and dense planting offers the female refuge.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male constructs his nest within surface vegetation. Spawning normally occurs beneath the nest in an embrace typical of osphronemids, with the male wrapped around the female; Seriously Fish reports several hundred eggs are typically deposited. The eggs contain oil and float upward to the nest, often with male assistance.
Egg & Fry Care
Post-spawning the adults can normally be left in situ; the female is usually tolerated and may help defend the nest area. The eggs remain in the nest until yolk absorption is complete. Seriously Fish notes that when the fry swim freely the male loses interest, but the adults do not usually eat their offspring. Fry take an infusoria-grade food for the first few days, then motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii.
Common Challenges
Although milder than its relatives, the male can still harass an unready female, so cover is needed. Because adults rarely eat free-swimming fry they may be left in place, but stable water quality and small frequent water changes remain important for fry growth.