Spike Tailed Paradise Fish

A small brown labyrinth fish from coastal rivers in Kerala, India. Males develop long, spiked fins and orange colour. It is secretive, and it builds its bubble nest under cover.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are usually brighter, with more pointed dorsal fins, and females are rounder.

Keep the water calm, with floating plants and tall stems for cover, and leave a little open water at the surface, because gouramis breathe air. A lid keeps the air above the water warm, which protects the labyrinth organ.

A calm, deliberate fish that explores with its long, thread-like pelvic fins and takes breaths of air from the surface.

Can be kept singly or in a small group. Males may squabble, so give them cover if you keep more than one.

Males can be territorial, especially when building a nest.

Usually suits a calm community of fish that are not too boisterous. Avoid fin nippers, which go for its long pelvic fins. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Takes prepared foods readily, along with live and frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

A bubble nester. The male builds a floating nest among plants, spawns with the female beneath it, then guards the eggs and fry. Remove the female afterwards. Fry need tiny foods, and warm, humid air above the water.