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.
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.