Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
4 inches
Temperature
61-79°F (16-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
8 years
About Paradise Fish
The paradise fish is a brilliantly colored labyrinth fish and one of the earliest tropical fish ever kept in aquariums, first brought to Europe from China in 1869. Males display a stunning pattern of alternating blue and orange-red vertical stripes with flowing, elongated fins in blue and red. They are native to the ditches, rice paddies, and slow-moving waters of East Asia, from China and Korea to Vietnam. Paradise fish are extremely hardy, surviving in temperatures as low as 50°F, which allowed them to survive transport to Europe before the advent of heated shipping containers. Despite their beauty, they are notorious for aggressive, territorial behavior, especially males toward each other and toward other slow-moving or long-finned species.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 61-79°F (16-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Labyrinth
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Paradise fish are extremely hardy and can thrive in unheated tanks at 60-80°F, tolerating conditions that would stress most tropical fish. However, males are highly aggressive toward each other and toward long-finned or slow-moving species, so keep only one male per tank and choose robust, fast-moving tankmates. A 20-gallon tank with heavy planting and visual barriers helps manage aggression. They build elaborate bubble nests and are devoted fathers. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Despite their aggression, their hardiness, stunning appearance, and historical significance make them rewarding fish for keepers who can accommodate their temperament. Avoid housing with bettas, guppies, or other gouramis.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
10cm
Adult Size (4")
8yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Paradise Fish
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Tank Mates for Paradise Fish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
easy · 30+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Paradise Fish need?
A Paradise Fish needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres).
What water parameters does a Paradise Fish need?
Paradise Fish thrive in water between 61-79°F (16-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Paradise Fish easy to care for?
Paradise Fish are considered easy to care for. They are aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 8 years.
How big do Paradise Fish get and what do they eat?
Paradise Fish reach about 4 inches and are omnivores. Paradise fish are extremely hardy and can thrive in unheated tanks at 60-80°F, tolerating conditions that would stress most tropical fish. However, males are highly aggressive toward each other and toward long-finned or slow-moving species, so keep only one male per tank and choose robust, fast-moving tankmates. A 20-gallon tank with heavy planting and visual barriers helps manage aggression. They build elaborate bubble nests and are devoted fathers. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Despite their aggression, their hardiness, stunning appearance, and historical significance make them rewarding fish for keepers who can accommodate their temperament. Avoid housing with bettas, guppies, or other gouramis.