Red-backed Paradisefish

About

Found in small hill streams of Vietnam, this labyrinth fish, Macropodus erythropterus, occupies densely vegetated shorelines with overhanging shrubs and submerged root systems. It occasionally surfaces in the ornamental trade under the name 'red-backed paradisefish', though it is frequently misidentified, particularly confused with its close relative M. spechti. The two can be told apart by the presence of red pigmentation on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fin membranes in M. erythropterus, along with a reddish predorsal region and an iridescent blue-green flank above the anal fin. The opercular spot is pale or absent, and the body carries faint, inconspicuous dark bars. Like all anabantoids, it breathes atmospheric air using a labyrinth organ, an adaptation that suits its origin in warm, often oxygen-poor hill streams. Temperament is reasonably peaceful outside of breeding periods, and the species can be kept as a pair or in a small group, where it will display some interesting social dynamics. Breeding follows the bubble-nest pattern typical of the family, with the male constructing a nest at the surface, often anchored in floating vegetation, and females generally tolerated throughout. The fry require warm, humid air above the water surface to develop their labyrinth organ correctly, so a tight-fitting lid is important when raising young.