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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
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.
