Paradise Fish

COMMON NAME: Paradise Fish.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Macropodus opercularis.

DESIGNATION: Tropical (normally) but is quitecomfortable in indoor, unheated aquaria.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Eastern China,Korea, South Vietnam.

SIZE: Around 9 cm (3.5 in).

WATER PREFERENCES: Not critical.

Temperature range: very wide, fromcoldwater temperatures to around 28°C(82°F).

DIET: All foods.

BREEDING: This is a typical Anabantoidbubblenesting species in which the malesguard the eggs and fry.

DESCRIPTION: M. opercularis isaggressive, particularly during spawning. Analbino and a darkly pigmented form (thelatter often referred to as M. opercularisconcolor or M. concolor) are also available.