Roundtail Paradisefish

Macropodus ocellatus

📍 Southeast Asia

The Roundtail Paradisefish is a small, colorful labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant blue and red striping and peaceful temperament compared to other paradisefish species. This hardy fish is excellent for beginners and community tanks, thriving in planted aquariums with moderate water flow. Males display beautiful fin extensions and can be kept singly or in pairs with careful monitoring.

Size2.5"

Min Tank10g

semi-aggressive

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Feed small live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach. Roundtail Paradisefish are micropredators and prefer small, frequent meals.

Behavior

Roundtail Paradisefish are active swimmers that spend time at all water levels, particularly near the surface where they gulp air using their labyrinth organ. Males can be territorial toward each other but are generally less aggressive than other paradisefish species. They are curious and interactive, often investigating tank decorations and plants.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately difficult and requires separate conditioning tanks with high-quality live foods. Males build bubble nests at the water surface and will guard eggs and fry aggressively. Remove the female after spawning to prevent predation, and provide infusoria and micro foods for fry.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

good

Otocinclus

Algae-eating bottom dweller that doesn't compete for food or space

good

Dwarf Gourami

Similar size and temperament but may compete for territory; requires monitoring

caution

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful fish that stay in mid-water zones away from paradisefish

good

Corydoras Duplicareus

Bottom-dwelling catfish that maintains tank cleanliness without conflict

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper filtration and remove sharp decorations

Labyrinth Organ Infection

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing, gasping at surface, swollen gill area, loss of appetite

Treatment

Maintain pristine water conditions, increase aeration, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial; ensure adequate access to water surface for air gulping

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy

Treatment

Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), reduce light exposure, use copper-based or formalin treatments; perform daily water changes and quarantine infected fish