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Paradise FishParadise GouramiFamily: Osphronemidae Macropodus opercularisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More I have two male paradise fish, and one seems to be missing his back fin. When i feed them, one will eat the food and the other one cant because he cant swim. Can... (more) Devyn The Paradise Fish or Paradise Gourami is often referred to as the "founding fish of the hobby", being one of the first tropical fish imported to Europe and instrumental in popularizing freshwater fish keeping!Paradise Fish Contents Endowed with a rich and brilliant color pattern, the Paradise Fish is among the most glamorous in the freshwater fish hobby. They are quite hardy and of a good size. They are also surprisingly intelligent and curious, and make a very personable attractive aquarium inhabitant. Paradise Fish are a joy to keep if appropriate research and planning goes into their aquarium set-up, tank mates, and care. When picking out a Paradise fish, be sure to choose your stock carefully. A desire to breed these fish in the brightest coloration and to provide them in large quantities, has unfortunately led to a mass production of fish that are neither colorful nor healthy. The Paradise Fish you pick should be alert and enjoying moving about, a lethargic fish is not healthy and is unlikely to "recover". For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Paradise Fish inhabits streams, rice paddies and ditches in South East Asia. As they are very popular with aquarists, they have been transported throughout the world.
- Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
- Social Grouping: Groups - Can be kept singly, in pairs, or groups. If kept in a group make sure there are plenty of hiding places to keep one or more of the individuals from being bullied. Paradise fish, while they are not as aggressive as Bettas, it is advisable not to place two males together in the same aquarium.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Paradise Fish or Paradise Gourami has a stout elongated body and a forked tail fin. This fin becomes quite long on the males, up to an inch or two, extending into serrated filaments.They are quite colorful with a medley of reds and blues, blacks and whites. There are several color forms including black and albino.
Like all other labyrinth fish, they can breath air generally gulping it at the water's surface. They have a special 'labyrinth organ' which acts like a lung which enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters.
- Maximum Size: 4.0 inches (10.16 cm) - This fish will reach about 4 inches (10 cm), with the male's tails trailing on for an extra inch or two.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Although the Paradise Fish are omnivores, they favor rich meaty foods. They will gladly eat foods designed for Bettas, but shouldn't be fed them exclusively. They enjoy exercising their predatory side on live foods.
This fish as fairly hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. They will do best in about a 20 gallon aquarium with gentle water circulation, and will enjoy some sturdy aquarium plants. The aquarium should be covered to prevent jumps.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Half of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 5 gal (19 L) - 5 gallons is suitable for a single male, however water conditions in a tank this small can be difficult to maintain. Twenty gallons is suitable for a group of females or a group of females with a male.
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting
- Temperature: 61.0 - 78.0° F (16.1 - 25.6° C) - Keep the surrounding room temperature consistent with the water temperature to avoid causing trauma to the labyrinth organ.
- Range ph: 5.8-8.0
- Hardness Range: 5 - 30 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Weak - Will be uncomfortable with strong water currents.
- Water Region: All - Paradise Fish are often found living in tiny water bodies in nature, and so in the aquarium this environment is emulated. They will generally stake out about a few square feet of territory, all of which they will defend and inhabit.
Paradise Fish are similar to Bettas in disposition, although slightly less extreme. Being both belligerent and predatory, it is difficult to select good tank mates for them. They really prefer to live alone, but will accept some other species of fish. Males have been kept successfully together in very large tanks, but generally don't get along. These fish probably do best in male/female pairs in their own tanks.
Some people seem to believe this fish will peacefully share a bowl with a Betta, but there is no truth to this and can lead to disaster.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Aggressive - It is difficult to select appropriate tankmates and it is probably best to keep them in a species tank. Males are generally intolerant of each other. A single male can be housed alone or with a group of females.
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor - Gouramis can be quick at feeding time. Make sure any fish that are not so quick get fed if you are keeping them with gouramis.
Males are brighter with stronger color patterns. Their fins are longer and larger.
A Pair of Paradise Fish Photo © Animal-World
Like most fish in this family, the Paradise Fish are bubble nest builders. They will breed Betta style, employing a bubble nest which they will defend to the death. Males will build the nest and then corner the female into it. The pair will wrap around each other, spawn, and leave the eggs to hatch. The male will care for them until maturity, and may even chase off the female after breeding. Fry will emerge in a few days and must be kept fed on microorganisms until they are able to eat crushed flakes.
See the description of how to breed labyrinth fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.
- Ease of Breeding: Easy
The Paradise Fish is readily available in many pet stores, although quality fish can be difficult to obtain. They are also offered by some online retailers. Males are easier to find than females. Cost can be anywhere from $3 - $15 USD.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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