Edit Macropodus opercularis
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
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.
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
11 on this profile