Important things you should pay attention to about the reproduction of the fish Macropodus opercularis are the water temperature, the aquarium fitting, and the breeding process itself.
As the “founding fish of the hobby”, Macropodus opercularis is very popular among many people who love to keep or maintain an aquarium. Macropodus opercularis is also commonly called the Paradise Fish, Paradise Gourami, Chinese Fighting Fish, and Blue Paradise Fish. If you wish to breed this species, read below about the reproduction of the fish Macropodus opercularis.
The easiest distinction between the male and female is their size. Males are larger than females. This fish is commonly 3.9 inches or 10.01 centimeters and can reach up to 4 inches. The females are 3 inches or 8 centimeters smaller than male fish. Besides, the males have longer fins that elongate into serrated filament and extended soft rays in the dorsal.
Macropodus Opercularis’ Reproduction
Temperature
Now, let’s talk about the reproduction of the fish Macropodus opercularis. Just like most kinds of fish, this species is also a bubble nester. To breed them, you need a moderately raised temperature. During the reproduction, keep the tank cover tightly closed. Most breeders use plastic wrap or cling film.
The tightest-fitting cover generates warmer and humid air because, without these, the labyrinth organ will hurt. First, keep the pair separate. Then, offer tiny amounts of living or frozen foods several times a day. By feeding them routinely, the female will appear chubby, showing that they’re filled with eggs.
Nest
To help the male build its nest, place some driftwood roots, branches, or floating dried leaves. The male will construct his roost within that vegetation. Once the nest is finished, you can place the female in the tank. The male will exhibit his broad caudal fins and dorsal to their likely mates.
The female’s color will turn paler as they are ready for reproduction. When the male and female spawn, the process takes place under the nest. During the spawning, the male will wrap his body around the female. Later on, few eggs will be released by the female.
Eggs Hatch
When the eggs are released, the process will happen several times until the female spends all the eggs. Because the eggs are lighter than water, all of them will float on the surface. Post the spawning, the male and female can be left impaired. The nest, on the other hand, is mostly disjointed, and the spawn gets together.
In three to four days, the eggs will hatch and remain in the nest until the yolk sac is completely soaked up. At the point when the fry can swim freely, the male will lose interest in them. Therefore, it is best to keep them apart.
Diet
As the fry is still in their first days, paying attention to their food is essential. You can give the fry Artemia nauplii and microworm. When the swimming fry is large enough, you can add baby brine shrimp to their diet. In addition, don’t change the water in a large amount. Small and discipline changes are the best.
Do you find it easy or difficult when it comes to the reproduction of the fish Macropodus opercularis? Keep the water temperature warm and place several leaved plants to create a perfect environment for breeding. Good luck!