Paradise fish

Macropodus opercularis

Vertical red-blue bars, a dark opercular spot and a forked tail; albino and selected colours are one species.

Vertical red-blue bars, a dark opercular spot and a forked tail are useful clues in the natural form; albino and selected colours remain one species.

Adult length: Up to 8 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 10–22 °C
Lifespan: Up to 8 years
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 5–20 dGH

Natural habitat: Occupies diverse habitats including lowland streams, river backwaters, ponds, canals, rice fields and reservoirs, as well as hill streams in some areas.

Keep at 10–22°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 5–20 dGH. Allow a cool winter period depending on the stock's origin; it is not a fixed year-round temperature.

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Appearance and identification

Adult males tend to be larger and more colourful with extended dorsal, anal and caudal fins; colour alone is unreliable in juveniles and selected forms.

Social behaviour and territory

Males defend territories, especially during breeding. Separate fish if pursuit persists.

Compatibility limits

Breeding males are territorial.

Space requirements

Allow an 80 × 30 cm aquarium base for a single pair. Additional fish need more room and cover.

Aquarium environment

Its labyrinth organ supports air breathing. Leave access to the surface when arranging floating plants.

Diet and feeding

Offer small frozen or live invertebrates such as daphnia, brine shrimp and small worms, alternating with accepted prepared foods. Check each fish feeds.

Sources