Paradise Fish - Macropodus opercularis

Species name: Macropodus opercularis

Synonym: Labrus opercularis

Common name: Paradise Fish

Family: Belontiidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 5 cm / 2 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Eastern Asia

Temperament: Somewhat aggressive

Company: Macropodus opercularis (Paradise Fish) are best kept with other small robust cold water species.

Water parameters: Temperature 16-26˚C / 61-79˚F; pH 6.0 – 8.0

Aquarium setup: Macropodus opercularis (Paradise Fish) Should be kept in a planted aquarium with open areas. Floating plants are appreciated. Macropodus opercularis (Paradise Fish) does well in lower temperature and can without problem be kept in an aquarium tank without a heater present. Do not keep more then one male together in a smaller aquarium tank.

Feeding: Macropodus opercularis (Paradise Fish) accepts most food including flake food.

Breeding: Macropodus opercularis (Paradise Fish) is easy to breed and can be triggered to breed by rising the temperature towards the higher end of their temperature span. Lowering the water level also helps trigger spawning. The males build a bubble nest and the female’s deposits their eggs in the nests. This is the entire breeding process seen from the female’s perspective and the male will chase her away from the nest. The male guards the nest until the fry is free swimming.

Picture of Paradise Fish - Macropodus opercularis. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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