Edit Malpulutta kretseri
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Name
Scientific name
Malpulutta kretseri
Described by
Authority Deraniyagala, Year 1937
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Ornate Paradisefish
Photograph credits
All 14 credited
Summary
The ornate paradisefish, Malpulutta kretseri, is a labyrinth fish from the 'wet zone' of southwestern Sri Lanka. It has been recorded from …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 40 cm, Minimum depth 20 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–26°C, pH 5–7.5
Hardness
1–8dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Sri Lanka, Bentota, Gin, Kalu, Kelani, Nilwala
Writing
Etymology
Malpulutta: apparently derived from a vernacular name for the fish. kretseri: named in honour of "De Kretser", a Sri Lankan lawyer who discovered the species.
Distribution
Type locality is 'Dandegamuva, Northwest Province, Sri Lanka', which does not appear on modern maps, although two other localities referred to in the descripti…
Habitat
The 'wet zone' of southwestern Sri Lanka is an area receiving annual rainfall of 2000 – 3000 mm, much of which arrives during the South-West monsoons between M…
Aquarium size
A single pair require an aquarium with base dimensions of at least 40 ∗ 20 cm or equivalent.
Maintenance
Can be maintained in a fully-decorated aquarium although many breeders prefer not to use a substrate for ease of maintenance. Driftwood roots and branches can …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Likely to prey on insect larvae and suchlike in nature, and should be offered small live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, white worm, grindal worm, etc., in captivi…
Behaviour and compatibility
Best maintained in the absence of other fishes since captive breeding should be the priority given its conservation status and rarity in the aquarium hobby. Th…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are larger and more colourful than females, and develop extensions to the pelvic and unpaired fins.
Reproduction
Secretive bubble nester, with males preferring to contruct nests under an overhang or in a cavity if available though if not surface vegetation, leaves or root…
Notes
This species is also referred to as 'Kretser's paradisefish' and 'spotted gourami'. There exist three colour forms, two of which exhibit a greater degree of re…
References
References
6 on this profile