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Black Paradisefish
Macropodus spechti
📍 Southeast Asia
The Black Paradisefish is a stunning labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia, featuring deep black coloration with vibrant red or orange fin accents. These territorial fish are moderately aggressive and require careful tank mate selection, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists. They are hardy, long-lived fish that thrive in planted tanks with adequate hiding spaces.
Care Guide
Diet
Feed high-quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, and small live foods such as daphnia or brine shrimp 2-3 times daily. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally. Black Paradisefish are opportunistic feeders and will consume small insects and zooplankton in planted tanks.
Behavior
Black Paradisefish are solitary and territorial, especially males, which will aggressively defend their territory. They are labyrinth breathers and must have access to the water surface for air. They are generally active swimmers that explore all tank zones and display elaborate fin displays when establishing dominance.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires a separate breeding tank with dense vegetation. Males build bubble nests and are mouthbrooders; they should be removed after spawning to prevent aggression toward fry. Fry require infusoria and micro foods initially before graduating to larger foods.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that occupies bottom zone and avoids conflict
Small schooling fish; may be viewed as food by larger individuals
Similar temperament and labyrinth breathing; territorial conflicts possible
Bottom-dwelling catfish that avoids competition for territory
Provides shelter and does not require substrate planting
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or treat with copper-free ich medication
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, treat with antibacterial medication if severe, ensure proper nutrition
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing at surface, gasping, swollen gill area, loss of appetite
Maintain pristine water conditions, increase aeration, treat with antibiotics if bacterial, ensure access to clean air at water surface
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, cloudy eyes
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), reduce lighting, perform water changes, treat with copper-free velvet medication or salt baths
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter
- lifespan
- 4-6 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)