Paradise Gourami Fish
Published August 6, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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The Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) is also known as the Paradise Gourami. It gets to about 4 inches in size when fully grown and can be aggressive with other gouramis. The fins and colors on the males are super colorful and it makes them easy to differentiate from the females.
Finding suitable tank mates might pose problems and it is not really recommended to introduce them into a community type tank setup. They are one of the more aggressive gourami species.
Feeding them shouldn't be a problem. They will accept most fish food such as flake foods, pellets, live or thawed insects, brine shrimp, etc.
More Paradise Gourami Varieties
Chinensis Variety
White Variety
Paradise Gourami Fish Care
Scientific Name : Macropodus opercularis
Common Names : Chinese Fighting Fish, Paradise Fish, Paradise Gourami
Care Level : Easy
Size : to 4 inches (10 cm)
Water Parameters : pH 6 - 8 | Temperature 74°F - 82°F (23°C - 28°C)
Lifespan : 5 years or slightly longer
Origin / Habitat : Southeast Asia, China, can settle in water ways with very low oxygen content
Temperament / Behavior : May eat smaller fish and will fight with other male paradise fish. May fight with other gourami species as well and chase fish with long fins like angelfish.
Breeding : This fish is a bubble nest builder. Male will place eggs into the bubble nest after spawning and guard it until hatch.
Aquarium Size : 30 gallon minimum
Tank Mates : Larger tetras, some of the more peaceful bottom dwelling catfish, corydoras, some of the less aggressive cichlids, etc. They may go after fish with long fins like the freshwater angelfish.
Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease
Diet / Foods : An omnivore - they may eat smaller fish species, insects, worms, brine shrimp. Should accept most tropical fish flake food, pellets, etc.
Tank Region : Middle to top
Gender : Males have much more color and longer fins than females.
Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk
Still have questions?
Jump on the forum and ask your question!
Go here: Paradise Fish Forum
Related Fish Profiles
Blue Gourami
The fairly hardy Blue Gourami gets to be about 6 inches as adults. Can be temperamental with other gouramis.
Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami is another beauty that can get aggressive with other dwarf gouramis.