CheckMyFishTankParadise Fish care
Macropodus opercularis · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy, colorful fish that likes cooler water but can be a bully.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Pellets, frozen foods, live foods.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.
Has long fins that fin nippers target.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Paradise Fish in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra and Paradise Fish need different water temperatures.
- Green Neon Tetra: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Rummynose Tetra: Rummynose Tetra and Paradise Fish need different water temperatures.
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Paradise Fish.
- Celestial Pearl Danio: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Celestial Pearl Danio.
- Lambchop Rasbora: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Lambchop Rasbora.
- Chili Rasbora: Paradise Fish grows big enough to eat Chili Rasbora.
Questions
What size tank does a Paradise Fish need?
At least 20 gallons. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Paradise Fish like?
65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Paradise Fish should I keep together?
One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.
What do Paradise Fish eat?
Pellets, frozen foods, live foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.