Parasphaerichthys ocellatus

2. May 2012

This extreme rarely imported species originates from Burma. The charming fish attains a length of only 2-3 cm. This is the only species of anabantoid fish whose way of reproduction is still unknown. The only other member of the genus, P. lineatus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/parasphaerichtys-lineatus_de_1211.html) is a bubblenest builder although the eggs look like the eggs of mouthbrooders.

The surfaces of the eggs of P. ocellatus also have the very characteristic structures of eggs of mouthbrooding species (this is known from dissected specimens). But as long as no one has ever bred the species successfully in an aquarium nobody will know for sure how they do “it”. Maybe you, dear reader, can solve this miracle?

In the habitats of P. ocellatus appear heavy day-night changes of the water temperature. The species lives in muddy, shallow pools. By day water temperature rises easily up to 25-28°C, while during the night the temperature becomes as low as 15°C. The metabolism of the tiny fish is adopted to that changes. So one should try to imitate them (for example by switching off the heater along with the lamps) otherwise the fish will become very sensitive for various diseases on a long time sight.

For our customers: the fish have code 441233 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Parasphaerichthys: ancient Greek, means “similar to Sphaerichthys”. Sphaerichthys is another genus of fish. ocellatus: means “bears an ocellus”.

Suggestion of a common name: Ocellated dwarf chocolate gourami

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Burma
Verfügbare Größe in cm 2-3