Paradise Fish 3.5cm

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 gourami and is incredibly hardy which is why it makes for a great beginner fish. 

Paradise Fish as juveniles tend to have a muted colour palette but once these fish mature, they have little competition with the vibrancy of their colours. Featuring a tiger-like patterning of bright orange and metallic blue scales this fish is the definition of contrast. They also have large fins with equally bright colours that look phenomenal when flared out. Though the paradise fish only reaches a length of 5 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. 

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 deeper colours and longer fins, they 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 Paradise Fish

As the 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.

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 the mid-water column.  

Suitable Tank Buddies

The 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 which would outcompete their small size like koi. 

Feeding your Paradise Fish

Paradise fish will take 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.