Flame Paradise Fish - Macropodus opercularis

Flame Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

The Flame Paradise Fish, Macropodus opercularis, is a bold and colourful labyrinth fish with strong red, orange, blue and iridescent striping, depending on strain and individual condition. As one of the classic aquarium fish, it is admired for its hardy nature, surface-breathing ability and impressive display behaviour. However, it is also territorial and can be aggressive, especially males, so it is best suited to a carefully planned cooler-water or subtropical aquarium rather than a small peaceful community tank.

Common Name:
Flame Paradise Fish, Paradise Fish, Paradise Gourami, Blue Paradise Fish, Chinese Fighting Fish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Macropodus opercularis

Maximum Size:
Usually around 8–10 cm, with FishBase listing up to 11 cm total length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to East and Southeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, northern Viet Nam and nearby regions. In the wild, Paradise Fish are found in a wide range of lowland habitats, including river backwaters, slow streams, natural ponds, irrigation canals, rice paddies, ditches and stagnant waters. As obligate air-breathers, they can tolerate low-oxygen habitats by taking atmospheric air from the surface.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 16–24°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable, but best in clean, stable water with access to warm air above the surface.

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive to aggressive. Males are territorial and may fight with other males or harass similar-looking fish. This species is not suitable for very peaceful nano communities, long-finned tank mates or cramped aquariums. It can work with carefully chosen robust companions, but many keepers house it singly or as a managed pair in a species-focused setup.

Diet:
Omnivorous with a carnivorous preference. Offer quality flakes, small pellets, granules, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, cyclops and small live foods. Some vegetable or spirulina-based foods can also be included. A varied diet helps maintain colour, condition and breeding readiness.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a single specimen or carefully managed pair, with larger aquariums preferred for community setups. Provide plants, floating cover, open surface access and plenty of visual barriers.

Behaviour & Activity:
A confident upper-to-midwater labyrinth fish that patrols its territory, explores plants and regularly visits the surface to breathe air. Males display with flared fins and intensified colour, especially around rivals or females. During breeding, the male builds a bubble nest at the surface and may become highly defensive of the nest area.

Aquarium Category:
Semi-Aggressive
Suitable tank mates may include robust cooler-water or subtropical fish that are not long-finned, tiny or overly timid, such as some peaceful barbs, larger danios, sturdy catfish and other active species that enjoy similar conditions. Avoid guppies, bettas, long-finned fish, tiny rasboras, small shrimp, very shy fish and other male Paradise Fish in smaller aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A secure lid is essential, as Paradise Fish can jump and also need a warm, humid air layer above the water when breathing at the surface. This is a cooler-water species and should not be kept long term in very warm tropical aquariums. Provide dense planting, floating plants, wood, shaded areas and broken lines of sight to reduce aggression. Do not overcrowd males, and separate individuals if persistent fighting or bullying occurs.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common to occasional in trade / Captive-bred colour form

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.