Round-tail Paradise Fish (Macropodus ocellatus)

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Macropodus ocellatus.png
Round-tail Paradise Fish

Macropodus ocellatus

76 Litres (20 US G.)

7-8 cm (2.8-3.1")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 8

3 -22 °C (37.4-71.6°F)

6-10 °d

1:1-3 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Osphronemidae




Origin[edit]

Found in parts of China, Korea, and Japan and in recent times has infiltrated the Amur basin in Russia.


Sexing[edit]

Males have much darker colors than females and have longer dorsal and anal fins.


Tank compatibility[edit]

Like paradise fish, the round tail paradise fish is not a trustworthy community resident if kept alone, so if a community is attempted pairs or groups of these fish should be kept. The lower temperatures these fish require should be taken into account with any tank mates chosen, and excessively small tank mates will be eaten. Do not keep two males together in a tank shorter than 48 inches.


Diet[edit]

Like other members of its genus, M. Ocellatus is a carnivore that will eat almost anything, including shrimp and small fish, and which appreciates the addition of live or frozen food to its diet.


Feeding regime[edit]

The typical once or twice a day feeding regime will be sufficient for these fish.


Environment specifics[edit]

Like other members of its genus, M. Ocellatus is a very adaptable species that lives anywhere where slow or still waters are present, usually with dense vegetation. Their habitats are also considerably colder than those of the other members of its genus, and they can be seen swimming under ice in some regions. Tanks containing these stunning fish should not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature, and should have a cooling period of several months each year where the temperatures are in the 50's. The tank should also be heavily planted.
The extreme cold tolerance these fish display mean that they could probably be kept in ponds in most parts of the world, but it is of utmost importance not to release these fish into the wild, as they will most likely survive, breed, and become a menace to the native ecosystems.


Behaviour[edit]

Behavior is identical to that of M. Opercularis, although this species is said to be slightly less aggressive to its own kind.


Identification[edit]

Unlike other species in the genus, Macropodus ocellatus has a round, red tail with white flecks. The body is charcoal grey with white stripes on the head, and the anal and dorsal fins are enormously extended and have red and yellow colors: the tips of these fins can go well beyond the end of the caudal fin. Females are a beige color with shorter fins, but are otherwise similar in appearance to the males.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]