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Roundtail Paradisefish
Macropodus ocellatus
Also known as Chinese Paradisefish, Roundtail Paradise Fish
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae
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.
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in
- 6 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 89–268 ppm
- 5–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
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
See all 5Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Algae-eating bottom dweller that doesn't compete for food or space
Similar size and temperament but may compete for territory; requires monitoring
Tiny, peaceful fish that stay in mid-water zones away from paradisefish
Bottom-dwelling catfish that maintains tank cleanliness without conflict
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Labyrinth Organ Infection, Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
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 daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper filtration and remove sharp decorations
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing, gasping at surface, swollen gill area, loss of appetite
Maintain pristine water conditions, increase aeration, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial; ensure adequate access to water surface for air gulping
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy
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
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in6 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 89–268 ppm5–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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