Blue Paradise Fish

Blue Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) displays the classic Paradise Fish coloration — the turquoise-blue and red-orange alternating vertical banding on the body, with vivid blue fins and long trailing tail extensions. The Paradise Fish is one of the oldest ornamental fish in the Western hobby and remains one of the most striking — the flowing fins, vivid coloration, and bold personality make it a fish that genuinely commands attention in any aquarium.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites. This is a bold, active feeder that readily takes most foods offered.

Native to East and Southeast Asia — China, Korea, Vietnam, and surrounding areas. One of the first tropical fish ever kept in Western aquariums, with records of importation to France in the 1860s. Hardy enough to tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F — one of the few labyrinth fish suitable for unheated or cool aquariums. Found in slow-moving ditches, ponds, rice paddies, and streams.

Keep one male per tank. Males will fight persistently with other males and can be aggressive toward slower, long-finned fish. Best kept with robust, active tankmates — larger barbs, danios, and similarly sized active fish that can hold their own. Despite the aggression, Paradise Fish are fascinating and personable — among the most characterful of all labyrinth fish.

Males build floating bubble nests at the surface among plants or floating vegetation when in breeding condition — a fascinating and distinctive behavior. The male courts the female with elaborate fin displays, and the pair spawns beneath the nest. The male guards eggs and wriggling larvae until the fry become free-swimming. Remove the female after spawning to protect her from the male's nest-guarding aggression. All gouramis possess a labyrinth organ — a specialized breathing structure above the gills that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This adaptation evolved for life in oxygen-poor waters and means gouramis can survive in conditions that would stress most other fish. Always ensure unobstructed surface access — a tight-fitting lid with a small gap, or a covered aquarium, prevents the fish from breathing cold air which can cause respiratory issues.

Care & Ideal Parameters