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Edit Macropodus opercularis

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Name

Scientific name

Macropodus opercularis

Described by

Authority Linnaeus, Year 1758

Family

Osphronemidae

Summary

The paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis, is a labyrinth fish from China south of the Yangtze, including Taiwan and Hainan, plus Vietnam a…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

80mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 10–22°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

5–20dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Social needs

One male with several females

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries

China, Laos, Taiwan, Vietnam

Supporting text

Etymology

Macropodus: from the Ancient Greek μακρός (makrós), meaning 'long', and ποδός (podós), meaning 'foot, leg', in reference to the long pelvic fins in members of …

Distribution

Occurs naturally in China, south of the Yangtze (Chang Jiang) River system, including Taiwan and Hainan Island, northern and central Vietnam, and northeastern …

Habitat

This species can survive in a wide range of habitat types and ecological conditions. It can be found in many types of lowland habitat, from streams, river back…

Aquarium size

An aquarium with base dimensions measuring 80 ∗ 30 cm31 ∗ 12 in or equivalent should be the minimum considered for a single pair.

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Maintenance

Can be maintained in a fully-decorated aquarium although many breeders prefer not to use a substrate for ease of maintenance. Driftwood roots and branches can …

Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Likely to prey on insect larvae and suchlike in nature, and should be offered small live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, white worm, grindal worm, etc., in captivi…

Behaviour and compatibility

Similarly-shaped fishes should be avoided, but can be maintained alongside peaceful schooling species with comparable environmental requirements. Males are ter…

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger than females and possess extended soft rays in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.

Reproduction

Bubble nester. Soft water with a slightly raised temperature is said to induce reproductive behaviour. The aquarium should have the tightest-fitting cover poss…

Notes

M. opercularis is a classic aquarium fish, having been introduced to the hobby by a French soldier named Gerault in 1869. Of the initial 100 specimens shipped,…

References

References

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