Family: Osphronemidae
Sphaerichthys selatanensis — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.
Sphaerichthys selatanensis, a member of the family Osphronemidae, comes from Southeast Asia, where it inhabits still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Territorial; one male per tank and carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live, it grows to 5.2–7.7 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–30 °C range. Other Sphaerichthys species in our database include Sphaerichthys osphromenoides.
Intermediate difficulty. Territorial; one male per tank; solitary, pairs or small groups.
Hold 24–30 °C and keep it stable — 24–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater required; stable warmth.
Expect 5.2–7.7 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 71 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. It forages naturally over soft sand with leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Territorial; one male per tank; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to Southeast Asia, where it lives in still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.