Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
What you need to keep a Paradise Fish
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pH
6–8
Temperature
16–26 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Paradise Fish.
Avg. price
R66
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Paradise Fish is one of the hardiest labyrinth fish, able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Males are vibrantly colored with red and blue stripes and have long, flowing fins. They are known for their aggression and territorial nature, making them unsuitable for many community tanks.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Paradise Fish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Paradise Fish's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–8 and 16–26°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Paradise Fish last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Paradise Fish depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price tracking started 18 Jul 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
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