Day's Paradise Fish

Day's paradise fish is a close relative of the spike-tailed paradise fish, with a slimmer, more elongated build. Two dark horizontal stripes run along its light brown body; the edges of its fins are tinged with blue and red. The central rays of the caudal fin extend to form a pointed tip. It lives in the shallow, vegetated waters of southwestern India. It is a calm, hardy species suitable for small aquariums.

• At least 40 liters for a pair.
• 24–27°C, pH 6–7.5; soft to moderately hard water.
• Dense plants, floating plants and small caves as nest sites.
• Weak flow, a tight lid and warm air above the surface.

Carnivorous. It accepts small granules and flakes; supplement with frozen and live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

Peaceful and calm. The male usually builds his bubble nest inside a cave and guards the eggs. It may eat shrimplets; it is docile toward other fish.

Good companions: small, calm fish: harlequin rasbora, pencilfish, small tetras, kuhli loach, otocinclus, dwarf corydoras.

Avoid: fast, greedy schools, fin nippers, large gouramis, aggressive cichlids.