Do Red Velvet Paradise Fish need a heater?

No. They tolerate temperatures from 16-26°C, making them suitable for unheated aquariums in most UK homes.

Are Paradise Fish aggressive?

Males are territorial and semi-aggressive. Keep singly or one male with robust tankmates. Avoid slow or long-finned species.

Can I keep Paradise Fish with Bettas?

No. Both are labyrinth fish and males will fight aggressively. Keep them separately.

Do Paradise Fish build bubble nests?

Yes, males build elaborate bubble nests at the surface as part of their breeding behaviour.

Macropodus opercularis

Red Velvet Paradise Fish (Macropodus Opercularis) - Hardy Labyrinth Fish with Bold Character

Name: Red Velvet Paradise Fish (Macropodus Opercularis) - Hardy Labyrinth Fish with Bold Character
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: KF95
Price: 5.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Beginner Friendly

Semi-Aggressive

£5.99 – £14.99In Stock

Size

The Red Velvet Paradise Fish is a hardy labyrinth fish with stunning deep red colouration and bold personality. One of the first tropical fish ever kept in aquariums, it tolerates cool water and thrives in a wide range of conditions.

Cold Tolerant FishGourami FamilyLabyrinth FishMacropodus OpercularisParadise FishRed Velvetsite:tropical-fish-co

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Macropodus opercularis

Adult Size

10 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Easy

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

16–26°C

pH Range

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

75L

Diet

Insects, larvae, flakes, pellets, frozen foods

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

16–26°C

16°CIdeal Range26°C

pH Level

6–8

6Ideal Range8

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

5 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Red Velvet Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) is a hardy labyrinth fish with stunning red colouration and bold personality. One of the first tropical fish species ever kept in aquariums, it tolerates cool water and adapts to a wide range of conditions.

Care at a Glance

Parameter	Value
Scientific Name	Macropodus opercularis
Family	Osphronemidae
Origin	East Asia (China, Vietnam, Korea)
Care Level	Easy
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Adult Size	10 cm
Minimum Tank	75 litres
Temperature	16 – 26 °C
pH	6.0 – 8.0
Hardness	5 – 20 dGH
Diet	Insects, larvae, flakes, pellets, frozen foods
Lifespan	Up to 8 years

Origin & Natural Habitat

Macropodus opercularis is native to East Asia, found in rice paddies, ditches, and slow-moving waterways across China, Vietnam, and Korea. As a labyrinth fish, it can breathe atmospheric air, surviving in oxygen-poor water.

Tank Setup

Provide at least 75 litres. Tolerates cool water from 16 to 26 °C — no heater required in most UK homes. pH 6.0 to 8.0, hardness 5 to 20 dGH. Planted tank with surface cover. Males are territorial; keep singly or one male with females.

Feeding Guide

Omnivorous and unfussy; accepts flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and live insects. Eagerly hunts small invertebrates. Varied diet maintains vibrant red colouration.

Compatible Tank Mates

Keep with robust species only. Good companions include Pearl Gourami, Paradise Fish, large tetras, barbs, and Corydoras. Avoid bettas, other gouramis, and slow long-finned fish.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Red Velvet Paradise Fish are selected for vibrant red colouration. Live arrival guaranteed with UK delivery.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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