Paradise Fish

Macropodus opercularis

Paradise Fish is a middle-to-top swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle to top swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Paradise Fish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 50–72°F (10–22°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 10–22 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Paradise Fish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer varied small live or frozen invertebrates alongside suitable dry foods.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Laos.

Natural habitat: Vegetated lowland waters including slow streams, ponds, irrigation channels and rice fields.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Blackfin Pearl Killifish Austrolebias nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–72°F (18–22°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Paradise Fish get?

Paradise Fish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Paradise Fish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 19 US gal (72 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Paradise Fish peaceful?

Paradise Fish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Paradise Fish?

Keep it between 10 to 22 °C.