Paradise fish
Macropodus opercularis · Osphronemidae
Also known as Macropodus
Intermediate
Tough, cool-tolerant labyrinth fish with striking colour and a short temper.
In short: A paradise fish needs at least 90 L (24 US gal), water at 16–26 °C (61–79 °F) and pH 6–8. It is aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 16–26 °C (61–79 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Adult size
- 10 cm (3.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 90 L (24 US gal)
- Temperature
- 16–26 °C (61–79 °F)
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 5–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years
- Diet
- Carnivore-leaning omnivore — pellets, frozen bloodworm, insects.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Rice paddies and ditches
- Natural conditions
- Cool to warm, still, shallow, vegetated water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Top
- Good tank mates
- Larger barbsHillstream loachRobust danios
- Avoid
- Another maleGuppyBettaSmall shoalers
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Males are larger with extended fin tips.
- Notes
- Bubble-nester; separate the female immediately after spawning.
- Common ailments
- Fighting injuriesVelvet
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