Moderate
Blue Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)
18–26°C · pH 6–8 · 80L
£3.99
Blue red strain of the classic Paradise Fish — hardy, easy to keep and tolerant of 16–26 °C. One male per tank with robust companions.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Macropodus opercularis blue red
Paradise Fish blue red bond and breed in male/female pairs. Buying a pair gives them the social structure they need — and you get a better price per fish.
Blue red strain of the classic Paradise Fish — hardy, easy to keep and tolerant of 16–26 °C. One male per tank with robust companions.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Aquarium history swims in this fish. The Paradise Fish was one of the very first tropical species brought into home aquaria, and the blue red strain of Macropodus opercularis carries its namesake pairing of blue and red on the same hardy, characterful frame that first won the species its place in the hobby.
It comes from East Asia — China, Vietnam, Korea and Taiwan — with a constitution to match that wide range. Temperatures from 16 °C right up to 26 °C are handled comfortably, alongside pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness of 5–20 dGH, making this one of the least demanding labyrinth fish you can buy. Allow 80 litres or more, expect a 10 cm adult, and plan for a relationship of up to eight years. It patrols the upper levels and will exploit any gap in the hood, so fit a secure cover before it arrives.
The one firm rule: keep males apart. A single male — on his own or with a group of females — is the only arrangement that works, as rivals will fight. Females, by contrast, can happily share the tank with him, which is also the classic starting point for anyone hoping to see the easy-rated breeding behaviour. Around other species it does best with medium barbs, large tetras and loaches, and worst with slow long-finned fish and anything small. An easy-going omnivore, it takes flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and live foods.
For keepers who want colour, history and hardiness in one purchase, the blue red paradise fish is hard to beat. Pair him with robust tankmates from the list above, give him the surface to rule, and he will reward you for years. Your fish arrives under our live arrival guarantee, handled by a licensed live-animal courier.
18–26°C · pH 6–8 · 80L
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