🐠 Paradise Fish

1. Species Overview

• Common Name: Paradise Fish

• Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis

• Origin / Habitat: Slow-moving waters in East Asia (China, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan)

• Lifespan: 6–8 years

• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)

Description:
Paradise Fish are colorful, hardy gourami relatives known for their vibrant stripes, long fins, and ability to breathe atmospheric air. They are one of the earliest aquarium fish kept in the hobby and are appreciated for their personality and tolerance of cooler water.

2. Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive / territorial

• Activity Level: Moderate to active

• Behavior Notes:

  • Males are highly territorial, especially with other males.

  • May chase or intimidate slow-moving or long-finned tank mates.

  • Can breathe air using a labyrinth organ, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.

3. Minimum Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a single male; larger for pairs or community setups

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–8.0

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Tank Setup:

  • Dense plants, floating cover, and hiding spots are highly recommended.

  • A tight lid is important—Paradise Fish are strong jumpers.

• Filtration & Water Flow Needs:

  • Low to moderate flow; they dislike strong currents.

4. Compatible Tank Mates

Suitable Tank Mates:

• Fast, robust community fish

• Loaches

• Barbs (non-fin-nippers)

• Larger tetras

• Snails and some peaceful bottom dwellers

Species to Avoid:

• Other male Paradise Fish

• Slow or long-finned species (angels, guppies, bettas)

• Very small nano fish

• Other aggressive gourami species

5. Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivore

• Recommended Foods:

  • High-quality pellets / flakes

  • Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Live foods (mosquito larvae, small worms)

  • Occasional vegetable matter

Feeding Frequency:

• 1–2 times per day in small portions.

6. Care Level

• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Maintenance Tips:

  • Weekly water changes (25–40%)

  • Provide plenty of plant cover to reduce aggression

  • Watch for fin-biting or territorial disputes

7. Breeding Information

• Breeding Difficulty: Easy

• Breeding Method: Bubble-nest builder

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Slightly warmer water around 78–80°F (25–27°C)

  • Provide floating plants

  • Remove the female after spawning; males guard the nest

• Fry Care:

  • Infusoria or powdered fry food initially

  • Transition to baby brine shrimp as they grow

8. Additional Notes

• Special Requirements: Can be kept without a heater in cool rooms, but stable temperatures are still recommended.

• Common Health Issues: Hardy species; occasional fin damage from aggression.

• Fun Fact: Paradise Fish were one of the first tropical fish exported to Europe in the 1800s, long before goldfish became widespread in aquariums.