Paradise fish
Macropodus opercularis
FishFreshwater
The Paradise fish reaches up to 10 cm. Males display blue and red stripes with long fins. Females are smaller and less colorful. It has a labyrinth organ. It is very territorial and aggressive, especially towards conspecifics. It prefers cooler waters (18-26°C). It builds a bubble nest. Its lifespan is 3 to 5 years.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18–26 |
| pH | 6–8 |
| GH | 5–15 |
| KH | 3–10 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Difficulty2/5
Dietomnivore
Min. tank80 L
Min. group1
Adult size10 cm
Lifespan4 ans
TemperamentAggressive
Care notes
Temperature: 18-26°C, pH 6.0-8.0. A minimum tank size of 80 liters is recommended. Moderately hard water (GH 5-15). Varied diet: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Plant densely and provide hiding spots. Avoid overly peaceful or small tankmates. Ideal in a species-only tank. A lid is necessary as it jumps. Can tolerate lower temperatures in winter.