Blue Paradise

<p>This species was one of the first tropical fish species to be exported to Europe. These fish are blue with red stripes, tints of black and white and a red tail, mature males develop long flowing fins that extend into serrated filaments. Males are usually 4 inches while females are 3 inches. Nowadays there are many color morphs including an albino one. These fish have a special organ that acts like a lung allowing them to breathe atmospheric oxygen, this is a survival mechanism  for when they are in polluted waters or there is a drought.</p> <p>To keep these fish in captivity, water temperature should range from 61ºF to 79ºF and water pH should be between 5.8 and 8.0. The tank should be have plants, rocks, hiding places and a cover since these fish are jumpers. These fish can be kept in a community aquarium with larger and non-aggressive tankmates, similarly shaped fish should be avoided as tankmates. These fish can be kept singly or in groups,  females can be kept in groups, however, unless the tank is extremely large males shouldn’t be kept together.</p>

<p>This species is omnivorous. In the wild it mainly feeds on insects and small fish. In captivity it can be fed with dried foods and live or frozen foods like Daphnia and Artemia. Vegetable matter should also be provided to keep them at optimal health.</p>

<p>Males are larger, more colorful and have extended soft rays in their fins.</p>

<p>To breed this species in captivity, the breeding tank should have water temperature ranging from 80ºF to 84ºF and a tight-fitting  cover. This cover is important because for the fry to develop the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen they need a layer of warm, humid air between the cover and the surface of the water. A pair should be introduced to the breeding aquarium. The male starts by building a bubble nest then he will try to get the female’s attention. The eggs and sperm are released on top of the nest, the male will then guard the eggs and may even attack the female. The eggs take 3 to 4 days to hatch and the fry remain in the nest until they finish absorbing the yolk sac, once they finish it they are free swimming and the male stops guarding them.</p>

<p>This species originated in Southeast Asia, however, it has been introduced in many countries and can nowadays be found in South Korea, Japan and the U.S.A. It inhabits streams, river backwaters, natural ponds and artificial reservoirs.</p>

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