Day's paradise fish

Adults reach a length of 6 centimeters or more. The body is colored copper-brown, with two dark horizontal stripes running along it from head to tail. The fins have a delicate bluish tint at the edges. Females are less vibrant than males, who display the most intense colors during the breeding season.

The natural habitat of this species is in the foothills of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It prefers shallow waters in swampy river sections with slow currents, as well as small lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation. It can often be found in river floodplains and other low-lying areas.

These fish are distinguished by their peaceful and calm nature, coexisting well with other species of similar size and temperament. Males usually do not show aggression towards each other; skirmishes between them are extremely rare. It is important to avoid keeping them with overly active or large tank mates, as these can intimidate the modest Day's paradise fish.

For keeping a single pair of these fish, a minimum tank volume of 60 liters is recommended. The aquarium setup should meet the following conditions: subdued lighting, the presence of shelters in the form of driftwood or decorations (e.g., sunken ships, castles), and areas with dense vegetation, both rooted and floating. The aquarium should be filled with water approximately three-quarters full. The filtration system should be adjusted to minimize water movement. An essential element is a tightly fitting lid, which will not only prevent accidental jumping out (which is not a problem for Day's paradise fish) but also create a warm, humid layer of air above the surface, which is critically important for labyrinth fish respiration. Hydrochemical parameters such as pH and dGH can be quite broad. Often, simply letting tap water stand for 24 hours to remove chlorine is sufficient before adding it to the aquarium. Care includes regular cleaning of the substrate from organic debris (excrement, uneaten food) and weekly partial water changes (10–15% of the total volume) with fresh water.

The diet of these fish preferably consists of live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, Artemia, or grindal worms. Dry foods containing plant components can only be used as supplementary feeding and should not form the basis of their diet.

Unlike closely related species that build foam nests for their future offspring, this species prefers to use natural shelters. These can be dense plant thickets, driftwood with spacious cavities, and the like. Excellent spawning sites include inverted coconut shells, ceramic pots tilted on their side, or hollow tubes of suitable diameter. With the onset of the breeding season, the females' bellies become rounder, and the males' coloration intensifies significantly, after which the male begins to search for a suitable spot, often creating a rudimentary nest under the arch of the chosen shelter. Spawning itself occurs through peculiar “embraces,” during which a small portion of eggs and milt is released. After release, they are carefully placed in the nest. Upon completion of spawning, the female swims away, leaving the male to guard the clutch. Fry hatch within 24–49 hours, and after 2–3 days, they begin to move freely around the aquarium. From this moment, the male ceases to protect the offspring, and the fry can become prey for both other fish and their own parents, so it is recommended to transfer the fry to a separate tank with similar water conditions.

Most diseases are caused by unsuitable keeping conditions and poor-quality food. Upon detecting the first signs of illness, it is necessary to immediately check the water parameters (such as pH and dGH) and ensure the absence of high concentrations of dangerous substances (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.). The parameters should be brought back to normal only after this before proceeding with treatment. More detailed information on symptoms and treatment methods can be found in the section “Diseases of Aquarium Fish.”

When choosing Day's paradise fish, pay attention to the fish's overall activity and the condition of its fins. Healthy individuals should be active, without visible damage, sores, or white film on their scales. Since the species is prone to intraspecific aggression, specimens with nipped fins can often be found in stores, but fish with signs of tissue rot or fin edge deterioration should be avoided.

• choose individuals with bright, clear coloration and distinct longitudinal stripes on the body
• avoid sluggish fish that constantly stay at the water surface or, conversely, lie motionless at the bottom
• carefully inspect the eyes and gills for the absence of cloudy spots or unnatural redness