Day's Paradisefish (Pseudosphromenus cupanus)

Family: Osphronemidae

Day's Paradisefish — a Osphronemidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.6–8.2 cm; keep at 24–27 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH hardness
4–15 dGH
Adult length
5.6–8.2 cm
Minimum tank
81 L
Water layer
Upper; surface-oriented
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; one male per tank

Species overview

Pseudosphromenus cupanus is a Osphronemidae. In the aquarium it stays territorial. Plan on 5.6–8.2 cm of adult fish at 24–27 °C. Related profiles: Pseudosphromenus dayi.

Native biotope

Habitat
Still waters, rice paddies and slow streams
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Soft sand with leaf litter
Hardscape
Dense planting and shelters
Plants
Dense hardy plants reaching the surface

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males larger with longer fins
Breeding method
Bubble-nest builder with paternal care

Frequently asked questions

Is Day's Paradisefish easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: territorial; one male per tank; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Day's Paradisefish need?

Hold 24–27 °C and keep it stable — 24–27 °C recorded range. Heater required; stable warmth.

How big does Day's Paradisefish get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.6–8.2 cm. Minimum tank: 81 L, with open swimming space along its upper; surface-oriented habits.

What does Day's Paradisefish eat?

Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Day's Paradisefish live with other fish?

Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Day's Paradisefish come from?

It lives in still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.

Does Day's Paradisefish jump?

A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.

How does Day's Paradisefish breed?

Bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.