Paradise Fish

Paradise Fish was amongst the first showy fishes available to the aquarium keepers of the west. Then, it became the first choice of several fish keepers. It belongs to Osphronemidae family. Life span of Paradise Fish is of three years and it makes a nice pet fish. If you want to keep your pet fish happy and healthy, go through the following account.

Diet

Paradise Fish is an omnivore. It likes to eat fleshy foods. It prefers to be fed on live foods, thus exercises its predatory nature.

Breeding

Paradise Fish is a bubble nest builder. It breeds betta fish style. Males build this bubble nest and corner the female into it. The pair leaves the eggs to hatch after spawning. These eggs are taken care by the males until they reach maturity. In a few days, fry emerge which should be fed on microorganisms, later they can be fed on crushed flakes.

Description

M. opercularis is aggressive, particularly during spawning. In winters, it should be kept below 12 degree. In summers, temperature should range from 22 degree C to 25 degree C. If higher temperature is kept constant, it can result into diseases.

Physical Characteristics

Paradise Fish has an elongated body which is stout. It has a tail fin that is forked. Males grow this fin up to an inch or two. This fin extends into notched filaments. Paradise Fish is vibrantly colorful with blend of red and blue, black and white colors. There are many color variations and forms which involve albino and black. Paradise Fish can easily breathe air by gulping at the surface of water; just like every other labyrinth fish does. Its labyrinth organ allows it to stay alive in oxygen-depleted waters.

Tank Set Up

Tank in which Paradise Fish is to be kept should hold at least 30 gallons of water. There should be gentle water circulation in the tank and some sturdy aquarium plants should be planted. Rocks and driftwood should also be placed in the tank. It is a good jumper so the aquarium should be properly covered. It requires pH from 6.0-8.0.

Social Behavior

Selecting good tank mates for Paradise Fish is a tough job because Paradise Fish is cantankerous and voracious. Usually it prefers to live alone but some other species of fish can be acceptable. Males live happily in very large tanks. Paradise Fish does well in pairs of male and female when kept in their own tank.

Compatibility

Paradise Fish does well with sharks, small chichlids, barbs and swordtails. It can become aggressive with goldfish, angelfish, guppies and small tetras.

Paradise Fish is a full-bodied fish which is easy to be kept and take care of. Wide variations in water qualities and temperature fluctuations can be tolerated by it. It prefers to stay exactly below the surface of water where floating plants are present. Just keep its details in mind, follow them and you will have a joyful Paradise Fish experience.