Species profile
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
Semi aggressive
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
8–11 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tough, colourful anabantoid. Can be feisty, especially males.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
16–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
1.4
Robust but feisty labyrinth fish. Adult males are territorial and should not be crowded together; avoid tiny or very slow long-finned tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Macropodus opercularis
Alternative names
Paradise Fish, Paradise Gourami
Native range
East Asia, including China and northern Vietnam; also widely introduced outside its native range.
Natural habitat
Slow streams, ponds, rice-field margins and other vegetated low-flow habitats. Dense cover and access to the surface are important; year-round tropical heat is unnecessary.
Diet & feeding
Predatory-leaning omnivore taking aquatic invertebrates and small prey; feed varied quality pellets plus frozen/live foods and some plant content.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are typically larger, more intensely coloured and have longer pointed fins; females are shorter-finned and fuller when gravid.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. Male guards the surface nest and eggs; remove or protect the female if the male becomes excessively aggressive after spawning.