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Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis): The Paradise Fish is a brightly colored member of the labyrinth fish group. As a result, they prefer to have access to the surface of the water in the aquarium. The body of the Paradise Fish has alternating turquoise-blue and orange stripes that extend into the fins and tail. There is a spot in the gills, and a pattern of dark scaling on the head reaching over the back and fading as it goes down the back. The fins and tail have a feather-like appearance, like that of a Betta.
The Paradise Fish requires a larger aquarium, at least 30 gallons, with lots of hiding places for the female. The Paradise Fish is a territorial fish that will defend its area from its tank mates. For this reason, it should only be kept with other large, semi-aggressive fish. It will also eat smaller tank mates. Adult males should be kept one per aquarium, as they fight as fiercely as Bettas. The male Paradise Fish has much longer fins than the female and is more brightly colored. Breeding is relatively easy and spawning can result in up to 500 fry. The male will build a bubblenest beneath a large leaf where the eggs will be stored. Easy to satisfy, will eat just about all standard aquarium foods. As an added benefit Paradise fish will eat planaria flatworms and even hydra in some cases. Click on thumbnail for more information.
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