Red Paradise Fish

Overview

• Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
• Common Names: Red Paradise Fish, Paradise Gourami, Chinese Fighting Fish
• Type: A labyrinth fish known for its vivid coloration and aggressive tendencies. Native to East Asia, including China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Red Paradise Fish features a striking combination of deep red, orange, and blue stripes along its body. The coloration is most intense in males, especially during breeding or displays of aggression.
• Size: Typically grows to about 4 inches (10 cm) in length.
• Fins: Males have long, flowing dorsal, anal, and tail fins, which are often brightly colored with blue and red streaks. Females have shorter and less elaborate fins but retain similar coloration.
• Lifespan: Can live for 6-8 years with proper care.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:

  • A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single Red Paradise Fish. For multiple fish, a larger tank of 30 gallons or more is ideal to prevent territorial aggression.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C). Unlike many tropical fish, they can tolerate cooler temperatures.
  • pH: 6.0-8.0.
  • Hardness: 5-30 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration with low water movement is preferred. Paradise Fish can breathe air thanks to their labyrinth organ, so they can tolerate lower oxygen levels.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well. They enjoy tanks with dense plants, hiding spots, and subdued lighting.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times a day with small portions that can be consumed in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Vegetable-based foods like spirulina or blanched spinach can be offered occasionally.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Aggressive, especially males towards each other. They are known for their territorial behavior and are best kept singly or with compatible tank mates.
• Compatibility: Avoid keeping them with other aggressive or fin-nipping species. Ideal tank mates include larger, peaceful fish like gouramis, or fast-moving fish that can avoid conflict. Never house two male Red Paradise Fish in the same tank, as they will fight.
• Activity Level: Active swimmers that frequently patrol their territory. They explore the middle and upper levels of the tank and often come to the surface to breathe.
• Temperament: Highly territorial, especially during breeding periods. Males will flare their fins and engage in displays of aggression to defend their space.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males build bubble nests at the surface, where they court females. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and tends to the bubble nest.
• Eggs: The eggs hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming in 3-5 days.
• Fry Care: Remove the female after spawning to avoid aggression, and the male should be removed once the fry become free-swimming. Fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Weekly water changes of 20-25% are important to maintain good water quality.
  • Monitor water parameters regularly, especially in smaller tanks where waste can build up quickly.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Can be treated by raising the temperature and using medications.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality or stress; treat with antibacterial medications and improve water conditions.
  • Velvet Disease: A parasitic infection that can be treated with copper-based medications or specific anti-parasitic treatments.