Spike-tailed Paradise Fish

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is an omnivore that readily accepts high-quality micro pellets and flake foods as a staple diet. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp to enhance coloration and encourage breeding. Feed small amounts twice daily, being careful not to overfeed as this species has a small stomach.

This species is generally peaceful and somewhat shy, spending much of its time among dense vegetation in the middle water column. Males may display mild aggression toward one another, especially during breeding, but are far less combative than the common Paradise Fish. They are best kept as a pair or in a species-only setup, though they can coexist with other small, non-aggressive tankmates.

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is a bubble nest builder, with the male constructing a nest among floating plants or at the water surface. Spawning is triggered by slightly raising the temperature and performing small water changes with slightly cooler water. The male guards the nest and eggs aggressively, and the female should be removed after spawning to prevent harassment.