Family: Osphronemidae
A semi-aggressive carnivore osphronemidae from South China and northern Vietnam — beginner-friendly.
Macropodus erythropterus is a Osphronemidae. In the aquarium it stays semi-aggressive. Plan on 4.5–6.5 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Macropodus opercularis, Macropodus hongkongensis, Macropodus ocellatus.
Difficulty: easy. Semi-aggressive; one male per tank. Solitary, pairs or small groups.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily; community-standard range; verify locally.
Expect 4.5–6.5 cm as an adult, living upper; surface-oriented. A 65 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods. It forages naturally over dark fine gravel or sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Semi-aggressive; one male per tank — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs and skip Its own males — Territorial fighting, Long-finned fish — Prone to fin nipping.
Native to 中国华南、越南北部, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Bubble nester; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.