Red Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

The Red Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) is a spectacular colour variety of one of the oldest and most iconic aquarium fish in the hobby. With its brilliant red body, flowing fins, and confident personality, this striking labyrinth fish makes a stunning centrepiece for both tropical and subtropical aquariums.

Paradise Fish are well known for their intelligence and inquisitive nature. They quickly learn to recognise their keeper and are often seen waiting at the front of the aquarium during feeding time. Equipped with a labyrinth organ, they can breathe atmospheric air, allowing them to thrive in environments with lower oxygen levels than many other fish.

Although hardy and easy to care for, Red Paradise Fish can be territorial, particularly mature males. They are best kept with similarly sized, active tank mates and should not be housed with slow-moving, long-finned species that may become targets for aggression.

Aquarium Setup

Red Paradise Fish thrive in well-planted aquariums with driftwood, rocks, and plenty of hiding places. Floating plants help provide shade and encourage natural behaviour, while open swimming areas allow them to display their graceful finnage. Gentle water movement is preferred.

A secure lid is recommended, as Paradise Fish are capable jumpers and regularly visit the surface to breathe.

Feeding

Red Paradise Fish are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feed a quality floating pellet or flake as their staple food, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and blackworms. A varied diet will promote vibrant colouration, strong health, and natural behaviour.

Why We Like This Fish

• Brilliant red colouration with flowing fins
• Full of personality and highly interactive
• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Excellent centrepiece for planted aquariums
• Suitable for both tropical and subtropical aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 18–28°C
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• GH: 5–20 dGH
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 litres

Care Information

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive.
• Social Behaviour: Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or with robust community fish. Avoid keeping multiple males together unless the aquarium is large and heavily aquascaped.
• Origin: Tank-bred colour variety of Macropodus opercularis. Native to China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 8–10 cm.
• Tank Level: Upper to middle.

Compatibility: Suitable with larger danios, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, rainbowfish, loaches, Corydoras, and other active community fish. Avoid slow-moving, long-finned fish such as male Bettas, fancy Guppies, and Angelfish, as well as very timid species.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, pattern, and finnage may vary slightly as each fish is unique.