Description: | The Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) is a type of gourami; hence it is more commonly referred to as Paradise Gourami. Paradise gouramis are an Asian species, with wild populations found predominantly in Eastern Asia from Korea and Taiwan, across to India and Pakistan. They can be found in all bodies of freshwater.
Unfortunately, they have a reputation for being aggressive, so their popularity has dropped in the last few years in favor of more peaceful gouramis.
They are a type of Labyrinth fish, which means they develop a lung-like organ that allows that to take oxygen from the surface of the water. It is important to note that they are not born with this organ, so you need to ensure sufficient oxygenation of your tank water.
Availability
Although they are not as popular within the fish keeping hobby, they are still relatively easy to obtain, with an average price of $5 per fish.
Paradise Fish Lifespan
Given the right water parameters and a well-balanced diet, a healthy Paradise gourami can live between 8 and 10 years, perhaps a little longer. |