Paradise Fish

[Idolz]

Hi,
I was thinking of getting paradise fish some time. I don't really know much about these fish. I know they are closely related to Bettas and I have been keeping Bettas for a few years now.

I don't know what these fish require. The information that I have found on the internet ranges from 'must have at least 29 gallons' to 'must have at least 10 gallons'. Also how many to keep together. It's not clear to me if I can keep males together or not.

Basically I was wondering if you could help me find out what I will need to get started.

Thanks

 

[sylvia]

Macropodus opercularis grows to around 3-4" so isn't realy much bigger than a betta at full size. However, they are a lot more active. IMO, the bigger the tank the better - a 30 gallon would be ideal but they would survive in less than that and I have kept some (as a temporary accomodation) in 5 gallons and this had no ill effect on their health. I would go for at least a 20 gallon though. They are rather aggressive and keeping two males together is not reccomended as they can and often will fight each other to the death just like bettas. Females and males get along fine though and a big group of females works too. How many fish were you hoping to get and of what sex? I would suggest you go for a single male and 3-5 or so females but you would need around a 40 gallon tank (prefferably planted) if you have plans to keep any other fish with them and want to limmit aggression as much as possible. Otherwise, you could keep a few females in a 20 gallon or a single male in a 20 gallon. Other than that, paradise fish are exceptionaly hardy and can even survive very low temperatures after acclimation. Provided you don't over-do it with the stocking, these fish can thrive under all sorts of circumstances and are highly adaptable. A great fish, they are attractive and full of character.

 

[Idolz]

I will have a 20 gallon planted tank. I was hoping to be able to have 1 male and 3 females, but that might be too much for a 20. I might hold off on paradise fish for a while.

I think they are wonderful looking fish. My lps usually has them, but they are very stressed out looking and have barely any color.

 

[50000_tears]

i want to get some of these too..i think one would do in a 20 gallons. they are fun to i always go to petco and when i go i put my finger on the glass and they all come to it. they definetly have character and they remind me alot! of bettas.

 

[ncjharris]

Paradise fish are brill.

We have a pair and they are just great - he used to give her grief but they appear to be contented now.

However, now we have a larger tank first thing we'll prob get will be another female anyway, just to ease any urgings the male may get!

Any questions, ask away!

 

[New Boy]

How do you sex paradise fish? Especially when they're young - is it easy to tell?

ncjharris
What size tank have you got and what have you already got in there? - do paradise fish harass any other fish? I've heard that they do.

 

[kaz petts]

Hehe, I love these fish.
A friend of mine got 6 of the critters when they were very young, I was there when he bought them they were advertised in the lfs as some sort of tetra and the price 6 for £5. As they grew it became apparent that these were NOT tetras and we eventually identified them as paradise fish.
He has several males and no females, he gave me 2 of the critters 1 male 1 female. All his males get along ok but I wouldn't recomend putting so many males together.
They are lovely fish and beautiful to watch. A male has really bright colours where as the female is much duller in colour. Harder to tell sex though when they are young, for some lfs it is harder to tell breed of this fish when young too!

 

[Kazman]

They are really cute when they're still small at the pet shop. Yes the colours are a good sign but look at the tails as well. The male has a lot longer tail which is still quite distinctive when they're tiny. They are really lovely fish, although can be very jumpy, our female has a habit of jumping out of nets and the male likes to get stuck in small holes so plug any holes and keep a lid on!.
I would never keep males together just in case, they are related to Bettas and apparently can fight to the death with other males too. May be ok when they're smaller but I'd stick to males and females and preferably more than one female as the males are quite frisky creatures!