Is this a betta or gourami??

[Tim Hoo]

Hi! I am new to this forum and have recently acquired 5 fishes that are labelled as "blue betta". They looked a lot more like gouramies to me, very much similar to black paradise fish (Macropodus concolor) or related species. However I have noticed that their tails are not extended on the edges as in the case of male paradise fish but is pointed at the middle instead. I really have no clue what fish this is and I will be very pleased if someone can help me out.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Best Regards,
Tim

http://www.bettaclub.org.sg/forum/uploaded/Tim Hoo/2005621329_betta or gourami.jpg

[Jodi Lea]

Hi Tim, these are "Pseudosphromenus cupanus" another fish commonly called the spike-tailed paradise fish. (Previous scientific name was "Macropodus cupanus cupanus" hence the reference to paradise fish)
There were a pair of these at the BCS booth at Aquarama2005.
These are placid, somewhat shy fish from south east India.
Check out pg 116 of Horst Linke's "Labyrinth Fish - the bubble-nest-builders" for more details.
Signed copies of this book are available from BCS, or if in Australia, from Betta Australis. PM me.
Cheers, Jodi-Lea