Brown spiketail

Pseudosphromenus cupanus

Plain flanks, a dark tail base and a short male tail point.

A mostly plain flank, dark caudal-base spot and pointed tail are clues; it lacks the two pronounced lateral stripes of P. dayi and has a shorter male tail extension.

Adult length: Up to 6.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 2–25 dGH

Natural habitat: Favours lowland rice fields, swamps and weedy ponds with still or slow water, also using densely vegetated river margins and ditches.

Timid; dried food intake may be insufficient, so hidden spawning sites and small live or frozen foods matter. Keep at 20–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 2–25 dGH, with subdued light, wood shelters, gentle flow and quiet feeding places.

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Appearance and identification

Adult males develop extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins; breeding males become paler with stronger fin colour while females darken. Its labyrinth organ permits air breathing, although it surfaces less often than some relatives. Leave access to the surface when arranging overhead cover. P. dayi has two marked lateral stripes and a longer central tail extension in mature males.

Social behaviour and territory

Pairs or groups need sheltered areas and should avoid domineering, similarly shaped fish. The female is usually driven away after spawning, so provide retreats around a guarding male.

Compatibility limits

A timid fish vulnerable to feeding competition.

Space requirements

Allow a base of at least 60 × 30 cm. Caves or overhangs offer spawning sites; reassess room and retreats before adding fish.

Aquarium environment

Use plants and floating cover for shaded retreats with gentle flow; preserve surface access.

Diet and feeding

Prepare small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and small worms. Fish may peck dry foods without eating enough, so watch actual intake.

Sources