Annabelle

I was just wondering if anyone has has any experience with Paradise Fish. I wasnt sure where to put this thread but on the net some people have called them gouramis so I picked here. Its scientific name is Macropodus opercularis and its a labryinth fish that is related to the Bettas and the gouramis. I have wanted one for awhile and Im thinking of it but I just wanted to know more. Some people are saying they attack everything and some people are saying that they are fine and wonderful so long as you keep them fed. I was thinking of either putting it in my big tank or putting it in a tank with my Betta.

Barbrella

Whatever you do, do NOT put a Paradise fish in with your betta. It's guaranteed that you will have a dead Betta.

You're right - these fish are in the same family, and both are aggressive and territorial.

Paradise fish need at least a 20 gallon tank, and it should be well planted. Males will fight each other, so in that size tank, only one should be kept. They also do not care for the high temps that bettas like and can in fact be kept in unheated tanks as long as the temp doesn't fall below the low 60's.

They are not gouramis and feeding them lots of food will not reduce their aggression.

Annabelle

So most likely a bad idea in my community tank as well? Deep down I knew it, I was just hoping cause I really want one. Thanx for the confirmantion though.

Barbrella

Paradise fish, like bettas, are intelligent and interactive with their owners.

If you really want one and have the means to provide a large tank for this fish alone, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

In larger tank - at least 30 gallons - you could probably keep a male with other aggressive fish like Tiger barbs, or fast ones like danios. Neutral fish like small plecos and corys would probably do well also.

Annabelle

I think I'll wait and see for now. Im going to set up the tank I have and then when I have more money and space I will set up a tank specially for one of these little guys. That way I wont have to stress and he wont have to be shunted to a smaller tank if he starts feeling agro. They really sound like they would be a great pet to have. I leave him as something to look forward to. Right now I'll just be stoaked to have my current tank cycled so I can start getting fish. I have my adorable little betta to tide me over till then.