Paradise Fish Ultimate Care Guide: Tank Setup, Tank Mates and Feeding
Paradise Fish is a species of gourami which is a tropical fish species that can add beauty and elegance to your freshwater aquarium.
Are you looking for a new baby to spice up your aquarium and boost your experience?
As the name implies, you will have the passion to be in paradise that’s why these species of fish have been a popular choice all over the world.
Though handling this kind may require some experience in fishkeeping because of their aggression, you will surely learn how to care for this ornamental fish.
So, if you are interested in keeping it at your home aquarium, then you will find below everything that you need to learn when it comes to caring for a Paradise Fish species. You will learn about tank setup, diet, breeding, and a lot more.
In this way, you can live with your Gourami for years.
| Quick Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | : Paradise fish, Paradise gourami |
| Scientific Name | : Macropodus opercularis |
| Family | : Osphronemidae |
| Origin | : Freshwater bodies in East Asia |
| Care Level | : Moderate |
| Lifespan | : 7 - 9 years |
| Size (average) | : 2 - 3 inches long |
| Diet | : Omnivores |
| Breeding | : Egglayer |
| Social | : Community fish |
| Temperament | : Aggressive |
| Minimum Tank Size | : 20 gallons |
| Temperature | : 68 - 82 °F (20 - 28 °C ) |
| Water Hardness | : 5 - 30 dGH |
| Water pH Level | : 6 - 8 |
Overview of Paradise Fish
This Paradise Fish is also known as Paradise Gourami. It is scientifically named Macropodus opercularis, which is from the Osphronemidae family.
This Paradise Gourami is one of the beautiful and ornamental fish that is native to different regions of Eastern Asia. They like hanging out in shallow waters and are comfortable with plants around them.
Changing water conditions won’t be a problem for them because they can quickly be adapted to different water conditions.
The name may sound like heaven because of its name, but some enthusiasts, especially beginners may give those hands-off due to their aggressiveness by nature.
Paradise Gourami has a combative behavior and fights with other fish of their own breed. However, you can’t resist its aggressive behavior whenever you see the outstanding designs and bright colors covering their skin.
Paradise Fish Size
The average Paradise Fish size is approximately 2.5 inches. This only means that finding a tank would be very flexible since they are small in size.
Paradise Fish Lifespan
The average Paradise fish lifespan is from 7 to 9 years. But this always depends on the care they receive. They can reach this age as long as you will set them up in a stress-free tank.
This means that Paradise Gourami should have no reason to fight or show their aggressive behavior. It is very rare for this Paradise Gourami to survive for more than 10 years but some claim they can with optimal tank conditions.
Origin, Distribution, and Availability
Paradise Gouramis are native to Asia, especially in the eastern or southeastern parts. You will find these species in the basin of the Yangtze River in China going through the Pearl River.
It is also found in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, and Ryuku Islands. It is great to also spot these fishes in the US and Madagascar.
Paradise Gourami comes in three species. This includes the Macropodus opercularis with a forked tail, the Macropolus cupanus with a pointed tail and extended rays, and the Macropodus Chinensis with a rounded tail.
There are two genetic varieties of Paradise fish. One is the Albino Paradise Fish from Germany which was brought by a viable breeder in 1933. The eyes of Albino Paradise Fish are pink and the body has stripes of blue, white, and pink.
The other one is the color variety which is darker in color. Paradise Gourami has been a debate among enthusiasts and discoveries if gouramis are for your homes or the wild due to their discrete aggression.
However, it will remain mysterious if the Paradise fish we have as an attraction in our tanks are the same varieties like the ones in the wild. But the behavior of this fish interests enthusiasts.
That is why you can find Paradise Fish for sale in your favorite pet stores. Who knows, you may have the chance to discover more about their unique characteristics and attractive colors.
Paradise Fish Typical Behavior
Paradise Gourami is no ordinary fish to ignore because no one can resist its behavior in general. The fun of owning Paradise Gourami is incomparable and you would surely love to watch them in a flare.
You will notice that Paradise Gourami fish like to spend time in the top part of the tank so be careful not to let them fly out when they get too aggressive. Though this is necessary because of the labyrinth organ in their system.
It means that this organ acts as a lung and they need to breathe from the upper surface. What’s more exciting here is their temperament because Paradise Gourami is undeniably aggressive, though this temper depends on the situation.
Species of Paradise Gourami focus their temper on the same species. Male Paradise Gourami fish are the most aggressive ones and they don’t mind competing with the females.
Therefore, you better separate these two before causing a fight, though it is usually intermittent and you will just find them swimming upwards.
Characteristics of Paradise Fish
Paradise Gourami fish have striking and bright colors, so who would not like to have one in their tanks? It would even be great to have a pair because this is how you can learn more about their natural behavior.
I supposed that makes them unique and that’s what fishes are all about.
Appearance
As Paradise Gourami start swimming, you will be amazed by the bright and colorful design or patterns on their skin. The dorsal long fins of Paradise Gourami add elegance to their motion.
What makes them stand out among other species is the white thin strip at the edge of their fins. These ventral fins are so tiny and extend out that it dangles whenever they swim.
While the caudal fin angles back as it is beautifully forked in the center. What makes them look classic is their body which looks like a torpedo and pointed head.
Colors and Special Markings
A Paradise Gourami is known to be colorful so you will find diverse variations. It is usually red-orange and blue with a spot or fading color adjacent to the top of the head.
Some Paradise Gourami fish have stripes of vivid blue and red or orange through the body, while some have spots of small blue or black. The caudal fin is usually orange and the edge is white.
Paradise Fish Care And Habitat Requirement
Caring for a Paradise Gourami is interesting and quite challenging as well because you may find it tricky. I guess you need to be an experienced fishkeeper so that you can handle Paradise gouramis well.
However, you can surely manage it as long as you are going to focus on how to minimize stress because that will also be one way to reduce their aggression.
As an enthusiast, you should learn how to manage their aggression by allowing them to live in a setting where nothing can stress them. Stress will greatly affect their well-being and overall health as well as happiness.
This is the most challenging part of caring for a Paradise Fish. Paradise Gourami can easily adapt and adjust to a tank setting; though they love tropical waters as it helps them lower their stress level.
Since you would love to have them at home, you should be able to provide an environment close to their natural habitat. You can do this by adding plants that will serve as a shelter.
There is no worry when it comes to the water temperature because these Paradise Gouramis can handle that.
– Paradise Fish Tank Size
The Paradise Fish Tank size should be about 20 gallons and that suits one species of Paradise Fish. They might not be that huge or bulky, but this space is good enough for them to swim comfortably, even when there are plants and decorations.
Now, if you want to add one more Paradise Gourami fish, then you will have another 10 gallons, which is a specific requirement per fish. This will be fine for a starter to manage them because they are more aggressive when it comes to species of their own.
So if you can provide more room, then it is better to minimize stress and to avoid fighting due to territory.
– Paradise Fish Tank Setup
A tank for your Paradise Gourami is quite easy to set up, so it won’t be a problem for beginners. They are hardy so oxygen is not a problem because they can get breathe when on the surface.
You just need to make sure that you will be able to follow the required water level, temperature, water conditions, acidity level, and hardness.
This only means that you should understand the needs of Paradise Gourami that you would like to care for Paradise Gourami to survive and live longer. You have to turn your tank into a setting that they can accept.
They may have needs that you should provide, so it would be great to be mindful as well.
- Lighting. Paradise Gourami needs moderate to normal light settings. Though subdued lighting will be helpful when breeding.
- Substrate. Some enthusiasts like adding sand substrate at the bottom of the tank for a more adaptable environment. But this is not a factor that Paradise Fish consider since they don’t like staying at the bottom.
- Decorations. Just like any other tanks, you may add a few decors like rocks or caves at the bottom. But the Paradise Fish likes to swim along the upper part which makes this décor not useful to them. However, decorations will naturally add beauty and attraction to your tank.
– Suitable Plants
You might want to have an environment that is close to their natural habitat and they are used to shallow freshwater but again, they can adjust to a new setting.
It would be great to start setting up your aquarium with plants because they consider it as their home. Paradise Gouramis can interact with these and would be a comfortable shelter.
In this way, you can replicate a safe wildlife environment which will help them live a stress-free life.
There are a few plants that can go with Paradise Gourami fish:
- Java Moss
- Dwarf Hairgrass
- Hornwort
Water Parameters
I suppose you all know that water is the most essential part of a Paradise Fish habitat and a great consideration for them to survive.
As an enthusiast, you are also aware that they may get sick and die in a dirty environment so it is a given to keep the tank clean.
Luckily, they have no problem living in any type of water condition because they can easily adapt to it. I guess this is an easy one and even first-timers can handle it.
– Water Temperature
The gourami species can thrive in a tank with a temperature of 68 °F to 82 °F (20 to 28 °C ).
It’s good to know that they are not the picky type. So, having cold water is not a problem when you have no idea how to maintain the warmness of the water.
– Water Hardness
Fortunately, a Paradise Fish would be comfortable in different hardness levels of water. It can go from 5 to 30 dGH (degrees of General Hardness).
– Water Acidity
It is vital to maintain the balance of acidity for every type of fish. The acidity level of gouramis must be maintained between 5.8 and 8 pH. By the way, this level of acidity is normal.
– Water Testing
The water level must be in tune, so it has to be tested regularly for a smooth-running tank. Keep in mind that sudden changes in the temperature, pH level, and dGH may also lead to health issues. Therefore, keep it stable for a healthy setting.
Paradise Fish Diet and Feeding
Paradise Gourami usually eats different foods and this will depend on where they are. Anyway, they are not choosy because they are omnivores. So, you may feed them with plants or meat.
I guess this will not make your fish pet’s life harder and have an easy-going experience when it comes to feeding.
For the Paradise Gourami diet, you may feed them nutritious pellets or flakes. This is affordable, anyway, and always available in any fish pet store. But do not forget about protein-rich food because they used to eat insects in the wild.
You just need to make a meal plan and include these:
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Mosquito larvae
- White worms
A well-balanced diet is very important. Therefore, make sure that you can provide plants, such as:
- Algae wafers
- Green vegetables
Feeding Routine
Always remember not to overfeed fish because they may experience constipation. Depending on your diet plan, you may feed them once but twice is better to minimize stress levels.
It would be best to break down the food for ease on the digestive system. If there are plants in the tank, they will feed on it, too. Do not forget to keep the tank clean by removing excess food.
You should not let them rot to maintain the quality of water.
Common Diseases
A Paradise fish is not a type to acquire diseases easily so caring is easy. However, you need to be aware of how to properly care for them to prevent diseases from occurring.
You can do this by keeping the tank clean and in good condition at all times. This will prevent them from getting infections.
Lymphocystis Disease
A Lymphocystis disease may happen after taking them home and due to stress that won’t allow them to swim. With this disease, pin-pricks are observed on their fins. But this is not where the body will have white spots.
Bacterial Disease
A Bacterial disease may be experienced, too. When this is experienced, you will notice that the fin is bloating or dropsy and rotting. So, you will need to treat them with antibacterial kits.
Gender Differences of Paradise Fish
Determining the sex of a Paradise Gourami is quite easy. The male fish is usually larger in terms of size than a female. The males can be distinguished since the pattern colors are stronger and brighter.
And then, the fins of a male are larger and longer than female Paradise Gourami fish.
Breeding the Paradise Fish
Like other fishes, you will need at least 20 gallons of a breeding tank with a half-foot water level. Doing this won’t require too much experience, so you may do this at home in the right tank condition.
When a male is interested in female gourami, he will get a bubble nest ready and build it beneath the plants. After successfully mating, the female must be transferred to a different tank to be safe.
The male Paradise Gourami is seriously defending and protecting the nest, so he will attack any fish that comes close to it.
You also need to separate the male gourami after hatching the egg because this might get eaten. It will take about 30 to 90 hours for the eggs to hatch.
Paradise Fish Tankmates
Paradise Gourami species can get along with others as long as it is bigger than them and they should not be an aggressive type of fish, too. In this way, fights can be avoided and won’t harm each other.
If you will get a smaller fish or of the same size, then that won’t be a good tank mate because the Paradise Gourami will kill them so peace won’t be achieved.
Some of the Paradise Fish tankmates that you may choose are:
- Giant Danios
- Bala Sharks
- Synodontis catfish
- Bristlenose Plecos
If you have plans of adding other species of fish with your Paradise gourami, then you better be very attentive to the size and behavior. It is important to maintain peace and harmony because stressing them might lead to a shorter life span.
Can Paradise Fish Live in A Bowl?
Paradise Gourami might be small in size, but they cannot live in a bowl because they are very active and aggressive species. First, they need to be in a tank with a 20 gallons size or more, especially when you have other fish.
That is the standard tank requirement and if you would like to add more of the same kind, you will need to add 5 gallons for each.
Are Paradise Fish Aggressive?
Paradise Gourami is aggressive, but their aggression will depend on the setting or environment. Let’s say that when they would like to protect their territory or egg, they can be aggressive.
They also show this kind of aggression toward the same species but they are more behaved when larger fishes are around. Anything that causes stress may also lead to this aggressive behavior.
Can Paradise Fish Live Alone?
Gourami can live alone and it would be ideal for beginners to start with one until they get used to this species. An enthusiast needs to make sure that he will be able to provide a setting so that the fish can adapt to it.
Again, they are more aggressive than the same kind, so if you have plans on caring for other species, then make sure that they are bigger fish species. In this way, you can prevent your Paradise gourami from getting into fights.
How Many Paradise Fish Should Be KeptTogether?
You can keep one fish in a 20-gallon tank and he will likely survive alone. However, keeping them in one tank will depend on the size of the tank. For example, if you would have a 40-gallon tank size, then you may keep 5 fish.
That would be 1 fish for the 20 gallons requirement and an additional 5 gallons each for the other 4 fishes.
It is important to make sure that you will be able to provide them with an environment that they can adapt to survive. This includes plants just like what they used to have in their natural habitat.
Don’t forget to feed them with a well-balanced diet and the maintain cleanliness of the water to avoid bacterial diseases.
Final Thoughts
Is Paradise Fish a better choice for my aquarium? The Paradise Fish may not be a popular choice because of their aggression. But they are as attractive as other fishes you can find in the wild and in pet shops.
So, taking care of this species would be a great challenge to enthusiasts, especially beginners. Though taking care of gourami is no different from other fishes you usually see.
Let’s say that you just need to learn how to manage your aggression. They will survive as long as the tank is clean, with proper feeding, and in the right setting.
I guess you may find it quite difficult to care for a Paradise Gourami but after reading this guide, you would want to accept the challenge of caring for one. So, I would love to see you happily watching your fish grow.
