Paradise Fish is a hardy labyrinth fish for mature subtropical or tropical aquariums, best kept with robust peaceful tank mates.

Community FishFishFreshwater FishLabyrinth FishModerate CareParadise FishTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Macropodus opercularis

Max Adult Size

up to 8 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Territorial / semi-aggressive

Temperature

18–24°C

pH Range

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

80L

Diet

Omnivore

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 above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.

Water Parameters

Temperature

18–24°C

18°CIdeal24°C

pH Level

6–8

6Ideal8

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

5 dGHIdeal20 dGH

Macropodus opercularis

Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

Name: Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 7284
Availability: InStock

Moderate Care

Semi-Aggressive

£3.99

Size: 4 - 5 cm

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Minimum of 2 per order.

Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.

£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.

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Paradise Fish is a hardy labyrinth fish for mature subtropical or tropical aquariums, best kept with robust peaceful tank mates.

Community FishFishFreshwater FishLabyrinth FishModerate CareParadise FishTropical Fish

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Macropodus opercularis

Max Adult Size

up to 8 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Territorial / semi-aggressive

Temperature

18–24°C

pH Range

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Minimum Tank

80L

Diet

Omnivore

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

18–24°C

18°CIdeal24°C

pH Level

6–8

6Ideal8

Water Hardness

5–20 dGH

5 dGHIdeal20 dGH

Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

Paradise Fish is a hardy Asian labyrinth fish with bold colour and plenty of character. It is often sold as Red Paradise Fish, but it should not be treated as a tiny peaceful community fish. Mature aquariums with plants, cover and robust companions suit it best.

Care summary

Adult size: around 8 cm
Aquarium: 80 litres or more, with cover and broken sight lines
Water: 18-24C, pH 6.0-8.0 and stable moderate hardness
Diet: quality omnivore foods, frozen foods and occasional live foods
Behaviour: hardy labyrinth fish; males can be territorial

Tank mates and setup

Keep Paradise Fish with robust peaceful companions that will not nip fins or compete aggressively at the surface. Avoid tiny fish, bettas, delicate hot-water species and multiple males in cramped aquariums.

Ordering and arrival

Livestock is packed for overnight travel with a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tank size do Red Paradise Fish need for a healthy setup?

Red Paradise Fish need at least 80 litres, with 120 litres recommended for comfort. Provide stable water, mid-top swimming space, and gentle filtration for easy care.

Can Red Paradise Fish live in an unheated aquarium safely?

Yes, they can live in unheated aquaria if room temperatures stay within 16-26°C. For best results, keep them near 22°C and avoid sudden drops, which can stress hardy tropical fish.

What water temperature and pH do Red Paradise Fish prefer?

Aim for 22°C and pH 7.0, with a safe range of 16-26°C and pH 6.0-8.0. They also tolerate 4-18 dGH, so they suit a range of water conditions.

What fish tank mates work best with Red Paradise Fish?

Best tank mates are barbs, larger tetras, corydoras, and loaches. Avoid other male Paradise Fish, small timid fish, and long-finned species because they can be bullied in a semi-aggressive tank.

Can Red Paradise Fish live with small community fish in a mixed tank?

Usually not with tiny fish. Red Paradise Fish are semi-aggressive and may harass small or slow species, so choose sturdier community fish and keep plenty of cover in the aquarium.

How aggressive are Red Paradise Fish compared with other tropical fish?

They are semi-aggressive, especially males toward their own species. They are easier than many tropical fish, but territorial behaviour means one male per tank is usually the safest setup.

What do Red Paradise Fish eat in a home aquarium?

Red Paradise Fish are omnivores and do best on varied small foods. Offer quality flakes, frozen foods, and live foods in small portions to avoid overfeeding.

How do I set up a Red Paradise Fish tank for easy maintenance?

Use 80-120 litres, stable 22°C water, and plants or hiding spots to reduce stress. A simple setup with gentle filtration makes maintenance easier and keeps water stable.

How often should I clean a Red Paradise Fish tank?

Do small weekly water changes of 20-30% and remove waste before it builds up. Regular maintenance keeps the aquarium clear, supports easy care, and helps prevent cloudy water.

Are Red Paradise Fish easy to maintain for beginner fishkeepers?

Yes, they are classed as easy care fish and suit beginners with stable water and sensible tank mates. They are hardy, adaptable, and less demanding than many tropical fish species.

How do Red Paradise Fish breed in a home aquarium?

They are bubble nesters and breed easily in warm, calm water. Provide floating plants, a quiet tank, and gentle filtration, then remove the female after spawning to protect the nest.

Can Red Paradise Fish breed in a community aquarium successfully?

Breeding is possible, but a separate tank is better because males guard bubble nests aggressively. A quiet setup with warm water and cover gives fry the best chance of survival.

What size and lifespan should I expect from Red Paradise Fish?

Adults reach 8-11 cm and can live 5-8 years with good care. Their mid-top swimming style suits planted tanks, and stable water helps them stay active and healthy long term.

Customer Reviews

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What customers say about ordering from us

4.6 on Google Maps 4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them

4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026