Paradise Fish

[DiverJohn]

Hi Guys, a while ago i aquired a big stainless tank and 6 paradise fish. Been sitting outside and i have been doing water changes, feeding them, but hardly ever see them. Well last week i cleared out a little 2 footer and put all the plants ( Val & some Hyrgo) into the tank. Last night i went out to have a look see and found this under one of the leave of a Hyrgo Stalk.

Also managed to spend 5 minutes watching 2 fish build a nest among some val ( pic 2)

Now i know these wee beasties build bubble nests, so i am thinking thats wot this is. How long do i leave them in the tank before moving them... and all those other questions about breeding

Any help appreciated.

John

[Mel1708]

Hi!

Paradise fish are part of the same family as Siamese fighters and Gouramis, so labyrinth fish and bubble nest builders (generally).

I googled paradise fish and they are essentially the same to breed as fighters. The male builds a nest then you add the female they spawn and you remove the female. Eggs hatch at about a day, father tends nest for around three days and once fry are free swimming you should remove the father. You need to feed the fry infusoria, eventually BBS or microworms.

Before the adults spawn you need to condition them with good quality food ie. live food or good quality frozen or dried. I think you might have trouble breeding in your tank with the other fish around and I'm not sure if there may be specific temperature requirements for breeding plus a lid needed to help fry develop the labyrinth. But I'm sure some people have paradise fish breeding at will in outside ponds so... who knows maybe others have personal experiences they can relate to you

BTW I am from Howick too, have you seen the paradise fish at Kings plant barn? They are in a plant pot set up with a filter and lots of lily pads and look really beautiful!

Mel