AquairiLearn

Spike-tailed Paradise Fish (Pseudosphromenus cupanus) Care Guide

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is a small Indian and Sri Lankan labyrinth fish with a bronze-brown body and spike-shaped tail, a peaceful bubble-nester for quiet tanks.

Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated

Overview

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is a small labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae with a bronze-brown body, a dark stripe and a spike-shaped caudal fin. It is a peaceful, secretive species suited to quiet aquaria.

Taxonomy

  • Family: Osphronemidae
  • Genus: Pseudosphromenus
  • Scientific name: Pseudosphromenus cupanus
  • Common synonyms: Cupanus Gourami

Habitat

The species is found in India and Sri Lanka, in lowland areas. It favours sluggish and still waters such as rice paddies, swamps and weedy ponds.

Tank requirements

  • Minimum tank volume: 40 L
  • Minimum base dimensions: 60 x 30 cm
  • Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • GH: 4-15 °dGH
  • Lifespan: 3-5 years

Provide dim lighting with driftwood, half-coconut shells and upturned flowerpots for shelter. An air-powered sponge filter suits the species' preference for sluggish water.

Diet

A carnivore, it takes small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia, white worms and grindal worms. Small insects such as crickets and fruit flies are also suitable.

Compatibility

Peaceful but timid, it is not ideal for community tanks because of its small size. It mixes with small cyprinids and loaches from similar habitats and can be kept in pairs or groups.

Breeding

It is a secretive bubble-nester. Males construct nests under overhangs or in cavities; eggs incubate 24-48 hours and fry become free-swimming after a further 2-3 days.

Spike-tailed Paradise Fish Breeding Guide

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.

Sources

  1. Seriously Fish
  2. Seriously Fish

More Species Profiles

View all Species Profiles →
Pseudosphromenus cupanus Care Guide | Aquairi