Paradise fish: Tips on keeping and food
The Paradise Fish, also known as the Macropod or Paradise Gourami, is a member of the gourami family. Due to its relatively low demands, it has become a very popular aquarium inhabitant and is suitable for beginners.
In the following, we will explain what is important when keeping Paradise Fish and what you need to consider regarding their diet.
Paradise Fish Profile
- Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
- Origin: China, Southeast Asia
- Size: Approximately 8 cm (3.1 inches)
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 100 - 120 cm (39 - 47 inches) edge length
- Recommended Water Temperature: 16 - 26 °C (61 - 79 °F)
- Diet: Omnivorous
Appearance of Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish usually reach a length of eight centimeters (3.1 inches), but they can sometimes grow slightly larger. However, female Paradise Fish are generally smaller than their male counterparts.
The elongated caudal fin of the Paradise Fish has a deep fork. Their body has a greenish-yellow to grayish-yellow base color, which changes during the breeding season. The coloration is generally more striking in males compared to females.
Paradise Fish have black spots on the front of their back and on their forehead, which vary from individual to individual. In addition, 6 to 11 transverse stripes running across their bodies are typical features of Paradise Fish. The color of these stripes can range from reddish-brown to brick red.
Dark eye bands that extend towards the bright green to dark blue opercular spots are also characteristic of this fish species.
Lifespan of Paradise Fish
With luck and proper care, Paradise Fish can live for approximately ten years.
Origin of Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish originally come from China and Southeast Asia, where they inhabit oxygen-poor ponds and marshes. They are particularly common in South and Central China. However, their exact natural distribution is unclear since they have often been introduced by humans.
Wild populations of Paradise Fish can now also be found in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. However, it is known that these populations in the wild do not have a natural origin.
Regardless, Paradise Fish prefer habitats with dense vegetation. They use aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, to build their bubble nests.
Paradise Fish Care
In the second half of the 19th century, the first specimens of Paradise Fish were brought to Europe by a French soldier. The first import to Germany took place in 1876.
The Paradise Fish quickly became a popular aquarium fish. With some important points considered, they generally prove to be undemanding aquarium inhabitants suitable for beginners.
Paradise Fish prefer shallow waters, so aquariums with a height of a maximum of 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) are a good choice. The length of the tank should be at least 100 to 120 centimeters (39 to 47 inches). From late spring to early fall, Paradise Fish can even be kept in outdoor ponds.
Macropods can tolerate water temperatures between 16 and 26 °C (61 - 79 °F). However, significantly higher or lower temperatures, as well as sudden temperature fluctuations, are not recommended. The water's pH should be between 7 and 8.
In the aquarium, it is advisable to maintain a temperature range of 20 to 24 °C (68 - 75 °F). During the winter months, the water temperature can be gradually lowered to 16 to 20 °C (61 - 68 °F).
Setting up an Aquarium for Paradise Fish
Similar to their natural habitat, Paradise Fish prefer dense vegetation, roots, and small caves for hiding when kept in an aquarium. The presence of floating plants is essential for the well-being and natural behavior of Paradise Fish.
Companions for Paradise Fish
Male Paradise Fish should never be kept together with other male individuals as they will fiercely fight, often resulting in the death of the subordinate fish. Instead, it is recommended to keep a male Paradise Fish with one or more females.
When choosing tankmates, it is advisable to avoid fish species with very large and colorful tails. However, catfish species are well-suited as they usually inhabit the lower water layers, while Paradise Fish primarily claim the middle and upper regions of the tank.
Breeding Paradise Fish
Breeding Paradise Fish in an aquarium is usually quite successful. Even fish kept in outdoor ponds often reproduce abundantly.
As is typical for labyrinth fish, the male first builds a bubble nest into which the female then deposits her eggs. Spawning generally occurs at water temperatures of around 20 °C (68 °F).
The male Paradise Fish takes care of protecting and tending to the nest and the hatched fry, while the female guards the territory. Once the fry are capable of free swimming, the male Paradise Fish no longer pays attention to them.
During the spawning period, Paradise Fish can become very aggressive and may even terrorize other tankmates, causing serious injuries, even in larger tanks.
Paradise Fish Diseases
Like all fish, Paradise Fish can become ill. Typical fish diseases that can occur relatively frequently in members of the Osphronemidae family include fin and mouth rot, fungal infections, dropsy, and velvet disease.
Providing good care conditions can help reduce the risk of diseases in Paradise Fish, ensuring a long and healthy life.
Paradise Fish Diet
Paradise Fish are omnivorous. Since they typically inhabit very shallow waters in the wild, they mainly feed on surface-dwelling food such as drowning insects.
Paradise Fish kept in an aquarium can be fed with various types of food. In addition to mosquito larvae, they also consume commercial sinking pellets.
Aquaris Fish Food for Paradise Fish
Although Paradise Fish are undemanding and robust aquarium inhabitants, a balanced diet is essential for their well-being and health.
With high-quality ornamental fish food from Aquaris, you can ensure that your Paradise Fish are always optimally nourished. Balanced formulations made from carefully selected ingredients ensure that Aquaris fish food is easily digestible and does not unnecessarily burden the water quality in your aquarium.
Our catfish food is particularly well-received by Paradise Fish, based on experience.
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