Macropodus Hongkongensis

Datasheet

General Description

Macropodus hongkongensis, a member of the family Osphronemidae within the Perciformes order, possesses unique characteristics such as a forked caudal fin, conspicuous opercular spot, and dark spots on the dorsal head surface. Its distinguishable features also include red spots and bars on the dorsal and caudal fin membranes. Like others in its suborder, it has a labyrinth organ that enables it to breathe atmospheric air, crucial for surviving in harsh environments.

Aquarium Setup

The ideal tank setup for Macropodus hongkongensis involves a minimum tank size of 72 litres without a substrate for easier maintenance. Decorate the tank with driftwood, roots, and branches to create shady spots, and consider adding floating vegetation for breeding purposes. Dried leaf litter can further enhance the environment by providing shelter and facilitating the growth of microbe colonies essential for the fry's early nutrition.

Behaviour

M. hongkongensis should not be housed with similarly-shaped fishes due to territorial aggressiveness, especially during reproductive periods. Males exhibit heightened aggression and should ideally be kept singularly unless the aquarium is spacious enough. To disperse male attention, it is recommended to have two or more females per male. Peaceful schooling species with similar environmental requirements can be suitable tankmates.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, M. hongkongensis preys on insect larvae and similar food sources. In captivity, they should be fed small live or frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia, white worm, and grindal worm. They may also accept high-quality dried products as part of their diet.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

This bubble-nesting species displays reproductive behaviors in soft water with slightly elevated temperatures. The male constructs a nest within surface vegetation and court potential mates by displaying his elongated fins. Females become paler during spawning, and the male assists in egg transportation to the nest. Once the fry hatch, they require small and regular infusoria-grade feedings until they can consume microworm and Artemia nauplii.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in both mountain hill streams and lowland environments, M. hongkongensis prefers shallow habitats with dense vegetation and slow water flow. Originally known from Hong Kong, it is now also found in Guangdong and Fujian provinces on the southern Chinese mainland. The destruction of some localities emphasizes the species' vulnerability to habitat changes.