There are two species of paradise fish with contrasting appearance in Hong Kong. They are Paradise Fish and Hong Kong Paradise Fish. Paradise fish has a more reddish body with shiny blue stripes, while Hong Kong paradise fish is in a duller black or dark grey colour. Nevertheless, both paradise fishes share a distinctive trait: their elegant fins. The elongated fin rays on their dorsal, anal and caudal fins make them elegant dancers in our freshwater streams.
Hong Kong Paradise Fish is the only freshwater fish named after Hong Kong. The species was first considered to be Black Paradise Fish. After a careful investigation of the specimens collected from Sha Lo Tung in 2002, the species was then described as a species new to science. The species can also be found outside Hong Kong, including in Guangdong and Fujian.
Hong Kong Paradise Fish lives in freshwater streams and marshes, taking refuge in vegetation or plant roots. It has an auxiliary breathing apparatus to help it breathe in water with little oxygen. Being territorial, these fish open their fins to warn intruders and may attack each other to defend their territory. Males are professional nest builders that make bubble nests to protect the fertilised eggs and guard them until the young hatch.
| Family | Osphronemidae |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macropodus hongkongensis |
| Adult Size | 6–8 cm in length for relatively large individuals |
| Habitat | Freshwater streams and marshes |
| IUCN Red List Status | Not Evaluated |
