Day's Spike-tailed Paradise Fish (Pseudosphromenus dayi) Care Guide
Pseudosphromenus dayi is a small Indian paradise fish with a spike-shaped tail, a peaceful bubble-nester suited to quiet, well-planted aquaria.
Overview
Pseudosphromenus dayi, Day's spike-tailed paradise fish, is a small labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae with a distinctive spike-shaped tail. Males develop a crimson body and elaborate fin extensions in breeding condition.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Pseudosphromenus
- Scientific name: Pseudosphromenus dayi
- Common synonyms: Spike-tailed Gourami
Habitat
The species occurs in Kerala, India, in coastal drainages of the Western Ghats including the Chalakkudy, Muvattupuzha and Periyar rivers. 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
Dim lighting with driftwood, leaf litter and vegetation suits this fish, and an air-powered sponge filter provides adequate gentle filtration.
Diet
A carnivore, it takes small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia, white worms and grindal worms. Small insects such as crickets or fruit flies are also suitable.
Compatibility
Peaceful but timid, the species is not ideal for boisterous community tanks because of its small size. It mixes well with small cyprinids and loaches that share similar habitats, and pygmy corydoras or small rasboras make good companions.
Breeding
It is a secretive bubble-nester. Males build nests under overhangs or in cavities; eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and fry become free-swimming after a further 2-3 days.