Edit Pseudosphromenus cupanus
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Name
Scientific name
Pseudosphromenus cupanus
Described by
Authority Cuvier, Year 1831, Bracketed
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Spiketail Paradisefish
Photograph credits
All 7 credited
Summary
The spiketail paradisefish, Pseudosphromenus cupanus, is a small labyrinth fish restricted to southern India and Sri Lanka. It lives in slu…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
65mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–28°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
India, Sri Lanka, Achankovil, Bolgoda, Cauvery, Kalu, Kaveri, Kelani, Meenachil, Netravati, Vembanad
Writing
Etymology
Pseudosphromenus: from the Ancient Greek ψευδής (pseudes), meaning 'false, lying, untrue', and a misspelling of the generic name Osphronemus. cupanus: named fo…
Distribution
Often reported to range throughout much of southern Asia, incuding Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Pakistan, but in reality this species is restr…
Habitat
Apparently shows a preference for sluggish and still waters such as rice paddies, swamps and weedy ponds, tending to be most common in floodplains and other lo…
Aquarium size
Minimum base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are recommended.
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
This species is peaceful but does not make an ideal community fish due to its small size and rather timid nature. Some small cyprinids and loaches that inhabit…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males develop extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Nuptial males display more intense fin colouration and a pale body, while females darken in colour. …
Reproduction
Secretive bubble nester, with males preferring to construct nests under an overhang or in a cavity if available, though if not surface vegetation, leaves or ro…
Notes
This species is most easily told apart from its only congener P. dayi by lacking (vs. possessing) two dark, irregular lateral stripes on the head and body, and…
References
References
4 on this profile