Redback paradisefish
Macropodus erythropterus
Also known as Red-backed paradisefish, Redback paradise fish, Vietnam paradise fish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–86°F
- 20–30°C
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 3.1 in
- 8 cm
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- 75 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Osphronemidae
- Origin
- Coastal river systems of central Vietnam, in slow, shallow, vegetated waters.
Overview
The redback paradisefish is a hardy, mostly peaceful fish for a planted tank. It is easy to keep.
Did you know
The redback paradisefish was only formally described in 2002, after being confused with other paradise fish. It is one of several paradise fish separated out from the widespread Macropodus opercularis complex.
Caring for the redback paradisefish
Keep a single redback paradisefish or a pair in a planted tank of at least 20 gal (75 L). Dense planting and floating cover reduce squabbles.
It is adaptable and does well at 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Like other paradise fish, it tolerates cool room temperatures, so an unheated tank is possible in a warm home. Feed small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus some dried food.
Males can be territorial toward each other. They may also nip long-finned or timid tank mates, so choose robust, quick companions. It is moderately hard to breed.
Good to know
Macropodus erythropterus was described by Freyhof and Herder and is a member of the family Osphronemidae. Its name refers to the red color in its fins, especially the back and tail. It breathes air at the surface.
In the wild
The redback paradisefish is native to the coastal river systems of central Vietnam. It lives in slow, shallow lowland streams, ditches and rice-field margins that are warm and thick with plants. It holds in the mid and upper water among the vegetation. The water tends to be soft and neutral to slightly acidic.
Common questions
What size tank does a redback paradisefish need?
A redback paradisefish needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a redback paradisefish need?
A redback paradisefish is comfortable at 68–86°F (20–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.
What does a redback paradisefish eat?
A redback paradisefish eats small live and frozen foods, such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Give it some dried food as well.
How big does a redback paradisefish get?
An adult redback paradisefish reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).
Related species
3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)Black paradise fish
Macropodus spechti
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Macropodus opercularis
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Macropodus hongkongensis
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