Paradise Fish

Macropodus opercularis

Also sold as Albino paradise gourami

Synonyms Blue paradise

Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) is an aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims in open water. It wants 50–79°F (10–26°C) and pH 6–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 72 L (19 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank	72 L (19 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	50–79°F (10–26°C)
pH	6–8
Temperament	Aggressive
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Paradise Fish needs at least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 3.5 cm (1.4 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Axolotl, Oscar and Clown Loach: it ends up as food.
It holds at 50–79°F (10–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
One of them takes up roughly 17% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 72 L (19 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

50–79°F (10–26°C), pH 6–8.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Paradise Fish	Elephantnose Fish	Apistogramma agassizii
Adult size	8 cm	22.5 cm	8 cm
Min tank	72 L	243 L	60 L
Group	1+	1+	2+
Temperature	50–79°F (10–26°C)	73–82°F (23–28°C)	75–84°F (24–29°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Paradise Fish →

Sources (8) · checked Sep 2026