The Paradise Fish is a highly active and beautiful fish. They are one of the brightest and most colorful fish available. These traits combined with their relatively small size make the Paradise Fish a highly attractive fish for both beginning and experienced aquarist alike.

The Paradise Fish is a relatively peaceful fish. While not being aggressive, they are territorial, and should have two to five gallons to themselves. If cramped, they will attack other smaller fish. Like Betas, they will attack their own kind, so only one should be kept per tank. Otherwise, they will get along with other similarly sized, semi-aggressive fish. Cichlids make good tank mates. Paradise Fish are also great jumpers, so their tank should be covered. Moderate plant and rock decoration will be best for the Paradise Fish.

Paradise Fish are very colorful. They have a green to brown colored body with shiny blue and red vertical strips that alternate down their body. Their fins have varying spots of red, green and blue. At maturity, the Paradise Fish will reach a size of two to four inches. Males will have brighter colors, longer fins, and will generally be more aggressive then the female. Females also only have red stripe.

The Paradise Fish, or Macropodus opercularis, comes from Southern China, including Korea, Taiwan, China, the Ryukyu Islands and Malacca. They are mostly found in rice patties.

Paradise Fish are rather hardy. They can survive in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. A temperature of 65 to 70 degrees is recommended, however, as warm water shortens the life span of the Paradise Fish. Slightly alkaline water should be used, with a pH level between 6.8 and 8.0. Paradise Fish should be fed live foods, including small fish, brine shrimp, blood worms, glass worms, and tubifex worms. Frozen and freeze dried foods can also be fed to the Paradise Fish.

The Paradise Fish is relatively easy to breed. A higher water temperature and reduced water levels should be used to simulate summer conditions. When spawning, roughly 500 eggs will be produced and placed into neatly built bubble nest. The male will aggressively guard the nest and fry.