Macropodus opercularis
One of the original aquarium fish, kept in Europe since the 1860s. Stunning striped flanks, flowing fins, and a personality that does not tolerate other labyrinth fish. Cold-tolerant down to 16 °C, which makes them a rare unheated-tank centrepiece. Keep one, or a true bonded pair, never two males.
Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) reaches 8–10 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to East Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan), it lives in the mid to top water column with a aggressive (especially males to males) temperament. Aim for 16–26 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 6–8 years with good care. Paradise Fish can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: carnivore-leaning omnivore, Pellets, flake, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, live mosquito larvae. Surface feeder. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No.
Care at a glance
One of the original aquarium fish, kept in Europe since the 1860s. Stunning striped flanks, flowing fins, and a personality that does not tolerate other labyrinth fish. Cold-tolerant down to 16 °C, which makes them a rare unheated-tank centrepiece. Keep one, or a true bonded pair, never two males.
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Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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The parameters that decide whether paradise fish fits in your tank.
Mid to Top
No
Keep as a bonded pair
Osphronemidae
Carnivore-leaning omnivore
Pellets, flake, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, live mosquito larvae. Surface feeder.
6–8 yrs
Easy
East Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan)
East Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Weighing it against something similar? Compare Paradise Fish head to head:
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid to top water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 16–26 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No. Plant safety: Yes.
Paradise Fish are carnivore-leaning omnivore. Pellets, flake, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, live mosquito larvae. Surface feeder.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: easy.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 6–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
