Hong Kong paradise fish
Macropodus hongkongensis
Also known as Hong Kong black paradise fish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 54–77°F
- 12–25°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 3 in
- 7.5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal
- 95 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Bubble nester · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Osphronemidae
- Origin
- Hong Kong and adjacent Guangdong lowlands, China
Overview
The Hong Kong paradise fish is a tough, territorial coolwater relative of the common paradise fish. It is a step up from the easiest fish.
Did you know
The Hong Kong paradise fish is found only in one of the most densely built corners of the planet. It clings on in marsh and stream fragments tucked between Hong Kong's housing estates and hillsides.
Caring for the Hong Kong paradise fish
Give a Hong Kong paradise fish at least 25 gal (95 L), densely planted, with cover, dried leaves and a dark substrate. The cover lets a subordinate fish escape. Keep a lid on, since it can jump.
Run the tank unheated, at 54 to 77°F (12 to 25°C) across the year, since it does not want tropical warmth. Keep the flow gentle and the pH at 6.0 to 7.5. It readily takes most meaty foods, such as live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and small earthworms, plus quality pellets.
Keep one fish or a single breeding pair, and never two males together. It will bully or fight, so tank mates must be fast and robust and chosen with care. Nothing small or long-finned belongs in its tank.
Like its relatives, it builds a bubble nest. The male constructs the nest at the surface, often under a leaf, and guards the eggs and fry. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The Hong Kong paradise fish belongs to the family Osphronemidae and was described by Freyhof and Herder in 2002. Its dusky, dark-bodied coloring separates it from the familiar paradise fish. Development is squeezing its small range. It is also called the Hong Kong black paradise fish.
In the wild
The Hong Kong paradise fish is native to Hong Kong and nearby parts of Guangdong in southern China. It lives in hillside marshes, slow streams and vegetated lowland water, and its range has a cool season.
Common questions
What size tank does a Hong Kong paradise fish need?
A Hong Kong paradise fish needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Hong Kong paradise fish need?
A Hong Kong paradise fish is comfortable at 54–77°F (12–25°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Hong Kong paradise fish eat?
A Hong Kong paradise fish readily takes most meaty foods, such as live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and small earthworms. It also eats quality pellets.
How big does a Hong Kong paradise fish get?
An adult Hong Kong paradise fish reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).
How does a Hong Kong paradise fish breed?
Hong Kong paradise fish build bubble nests. The male makes the nest at the surface, often under a leaf, then guards the eggs and fry. Breeding is of medium difficulty.
Related species
3.1 in (8 cm)25 gal (95 L)50–72°F (10–22°C)Paradise fish
Macropodus opercularis
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Macropodus ocellatus
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3 in (7.5 cm)5 gal (19 L)72–86°F (22–30°C)Betta
Betta splendens
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- 3 in (7.5 cm)26 gal (100 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Gladiator betta
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