All fish / Osphronemidae

Combtail Paradise Fish

Belontia signata

Also known as combtail, comb tail, combtail gourami, ceylon combtail, ceylonese combtail, belontia, ベロンティア・シグナータ, 锯尾天堂鱼, 斯里兰卡梳尾鱼

A sturdy, deep-bodied gourami from Sri Lankan streams, reddish brown with a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin and long filaments on the tail that give it a comb-like edge. Keepers value it for its bold character and rich colouring, though it is best kept in a species tank or with robust tankmates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a pair in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen insect larvae, shrimp, earthworms, quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Sri Lanka (endemic)

Breeding

Males build a loose bubble nest, often beneath leaves, and guard the eggs and fry after spawning. Breeding is not difficult once a compatible pair forms, but the pair should be given plenty of cover and space.

Good to know

Highly territorial and aggressive as it matures, it will attack and nip smaller or slow fish, and conspecifics may fight. Keep a tight lid as it can jump.