All fish / Osphronemidae

Spotted Ornate Paradise Fish

Malpulutta kretseri

Also known as ornate paradisefish, malpulutta, kretser's paradise fish, spotted paradise fish, sri lanka paradise fish, malpulutta kretseri minor, マルプルッタ・クレツェリ, 斯里兰卡斗鱼

A small, shy labyrinth fish from Sri Lanka with a brownish body covered in dark spots. Males grow long, pointed fins edged in blue and red, and the central tail rays extend into a point. Enthusiasts keep it as a rare and subtle species for quiet, heavily planted soft water tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Pair or one male with two females

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Sri Lanka (southwestern rainforest streams)

Breeding

Males build small bubble nests in caves or under leaves, often close to the bottom, and guard the eggs until the fry swim. Breeding works in a dedicated, dim, soft water tank, but it is difficult and only small batches are produced.

Good to know

It is listed as threatened in the wild and is rarely available, so look for captive-bred stock. Very timid, so avoid boisterous or larger tankmates and keep the tank tightly covered.