Spike-tailed Paradise Fish Breeding Guide

How to breed Pseudosphromenus cupanus, a small Indian and Sri Lankan labyrinth fish that is a secretive cave bubble-nester tended solely by the male.

Overview

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is a small labyrinth fish from India and Sri Lanka, reaching about 60-65 mm standard length according to Seriously Fish. It is a secretive bubble-nester whose males prefer to build the nest under an overhang or in a cavity where available.

Sexing

Seriously Fish reports that males develop extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Breeding males show more intense fin colouration and a pale body, while females darken in colour; females can also be identified by visible ovaries when backlit.

Conditioning

The species is carnivorous and is conditioned on small live and frozen foods. A quiet tank with caves and broad-leaved plants encourages the male to establish a nest.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish lists general conditions of 20-28 C, pH 6.0-7.5 and hardness 36-447 ppm. Provide overhangs or cavities so the male can construct a hidden bubble nest.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

According to Seriously Fish, eggs and milt are released in small batches during a series of embraces in which the male wraps his body around the female, and both parents attempt to attach the eggs to the nest ceiling.

Egg & Fry Care

Post-spawning the female is normally ejected and the male is solely responsible for guarding and tending the eggs. Seriously Fish gives an incubation of about 24-48 hours, with fry free-swimming 2-3 days later and then accepting Artemia nauplii and microworm. Because tank mates and even the parents may eat them, the fry are best separated and grown on elsewhere.

Common Challenges

The female must be removed once the male takes charge of the eggs, and the fry need protection from predation. Live first foods and stable, gentle conditions support survival.