Albino Paradise Fish 3.5cm
Albino Paradise Fish
The paradise fish is quite easily the most overlooked but best beginner fish option. These fish are cheap, have amazing colours, are cold water tolerant, reach around 6cm, and have a wonderful personality. Originating from east Asia, this species is actually closely related to a gourami and is incredibly hardy which is why it makes for a great beginner fish. Through the years these fish have been in the aquarium hobby, line breeding has resulted in some very unique captive strains, one of the most contrasting of these is the albino paradise fish.
Sporting the albino gene, these paradise fish essentially invert the colours of their standard counterparts. Normally paradise fish have a blue body colour with orange stripes and accents but in albinos, the base body colour is platinum pearl white. Areas of the orange are also pretty much white but with the slightest pink hue and lack the metallic nature that the body scales have. Overall it creates this almost fictional-looking fish that seems like it came out of a snowy world in a cartoon. Though the paradise fish only reaches a length of 10 cm, it has an oval body shape that acts like a large canvas for its colours and this fish will be a true eye-catcher in the aquarium.
As they are cold water tolerant, a temperature range of 10 - 26 degrees offers a lot of wiggle room. To get the best colours and personality though, it is best to keep them on the warmer end at 22-24 degrees. Albino paradise fish, being related to betta and gourami offer a similar flare in their personality spending a lot of time out in the open. Breeding these fish is possible as males and females can be easily distinguished. Males grow to a larger size with longer fins, females will also be wider in body shape. Males will make a bubble nest and deposit the eggs released by the females into this nest. The fry can then be raised in a separate aquarium once they reach the free-swimming stage.
Tank Recommendations for your Albino Paradise Fish
As the albino paradise fish remains fairly small and is extremely hardy, the best minimum tank size is around 40 liters. They can be slightly territorial in a smaller environment like this so it is better to keep them in a larger aquarium if tank mates are considered. Albino paradise fish will love dense plants in the aquarium, these fish naturally come from vegetation-heavy, slow-moving water so replicating this in the home aquarium is ideal. The substrate or hardscape choices are not a major consideration however as these fish often spend their time in the top to mid-water column.
Suitable Tank Buddies
The albino paradise fish can be kept either solitary or with others of its species. Just like gourami though they can be slightly territorial in smaller spaces which should be considered. Aside from this, they can be kept with a range of peaceful fish.
Usually Compatible
Honey gourami, goldfish, white clouds, zebra danios, and similar nano or Goldwater tolerant species.
Sometimes Compatible
Betta may get agitated by a similar large-finned species and any fin nippers such as rosy barbs which could pester and damage the fins of the paradise fish. This could lead to infection or further health issues in the paradise fish.
Rarely Compatible
Large or aggressive species may predate on the paradise fish or anything that would outcompete these small sizes like the Oscars.
Feeding your Albino Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish will take you to a range of aquarium foods. Just like any easy-to-care-for aquarium fish, they will eat pellets, flakes, frozen and invertebrate-based live food like worms.
Scientific Name | Macropodus opercularis |
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Care Level | Easy |
Common Names | Albino Paradise Fish |
Diet | Carnivore |
Fish Family | Osphronemidae |
Lifespan (years) | 40 |
Max. Length (cm) | 5 |
Min. Tank Volume (l) | 40 |
Origin | East Asia |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Sociability | Peaceful |
Venomous | No |
Water Conditions | 10-26° C, pH 5.5-8.0 |