Macropodus opercularis is the Paradise Fish. Let's let the eminent Dr. William T. Innes enlighten us a bit. "If ancient lineage is the true basis for aristocracy, then the Paradise Fish is undoubtedly the Exalted Potentate of all tropical aquarium fishes". It was introduced into Paris in 1868 by Carbonnier. It came to the American hobby by Adolphus Busch of St. Louis in 1876. There are known instances of it living in temperature down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are common in the rice fields of China. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is an anabantid labyrinth fish but not a gourami. It breeds like a Betta. It is very hardy but can be a bit pugnacious. There are at least three varieties that I know of and are all exquisitely beautiful. In my mind, this is a fish that every aquarist should keep at one time or another.