Roundtail Paradise Fish (Macropodus ocellatus)
| Roundtail Paradise Fish Macropodus ocellatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Roundtail Paradise Fish |
| Name Lat. | Macropodus ocellatus |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | SE-China, Korea |
| Habitat | Streams, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest builder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 7-8 cm |
| Temperature | 15-22 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.8"-3.1" |
| Temperature | 59-72 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the round-tailed macropod extends from southeastern China to South Korea. They live in slow-flowing or stagnant waters with dense vegetation, such as ponds, rice fields and floodplains, as well as in the stillwaters of streams and small rivers.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting with many hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak), subdued light (floating plant cover) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, tubifex, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs or better in a harem, one male with several females. Males have a pronounced territorial behavior among themselves and defend their territory consistently. Keeping several harems is only possible in a large, richly structured tank. In a community tank with many hiding places they can be kept with not too small, robust fish
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male has longer extended fin tips and is usually more magnificently colored than the slightly smaller female.
Reproduction and breeding
The male builds a foam nest, usually involving plant parts, and also takes care of the brood. The eggs (200-500) ejected during the numerous matings (entwinements) rise to the water surface, are collected by the male and introduced into the nest. The larvae hatch after about 48 hours and swim freely after 2-6 days.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
They have an additional respiratory organ, the so-called labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible. The air temperature in the breathing area must not be below the water temperature!
They like to jump, so the aquarium should be well covered. Other fish of similar shape and coloration are usually perceived as enemies. However, they are less aggressive than other macropods.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF