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Another of the so called"classic" aquarium fish the Paradisefish are a beautiful, fairly peaceful and territorial species that will defend their territory from other tank mates. Mix with the same sized fish, as they will eat smaller fish. Their beauty demands that they be given consideration, if you are willing to meet their needs.

Quick stats: Listed tank sizes are the minimum Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm) Tank: 24 inches + Strata: Top to mostly middle. PH: 6.8-8.0 Hardness: Soft to hard Temperature: 61°- 78°F (16 to 26°C) Classification: Order: Perciformes Suborder: Percoidei Family: Belontiidae Genera: Macropodus

Typical Korean river

Common name: Paradisefish Image gallery: Additional species photographs Discuss: Badmans' Forum Distribution Korea, China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

General Body Form:

Some what long and slender, the Paradise fish fins are its distinguishing traits. The soft ray parts of the anal and dorsal fins extend to form long string like filament. The tail fin is concave with the upper and lower sections extending further out . The males are easy to identify by their thick swollen lips.

The male of this species is brilliantly colored. The sides are distinguished by their bars which are a dark Blue / Green separated by vivid Red. The head and neck area are marbled in a Brown color. The gill cover is striped in Black boarded by bright Red or Orange. The tail fin can be stunning. It is completely Red in color and with the fringes extending out make a fantastic display. The dorsal and anal fins are dark in color and fade to a red hue as they near the tail fin. The ventral fins are also red in hue and can be tipped in White. The females are considerably duller with shorter rounded fins and only the side bars are well defined.

The Paradise fish is fairy easy to keep. They tolerate wide variations in water quality as well as temperature fluctuation's. Unfortunately they are only marginal as a community fish. They must be kept with other similar sized semi- aggressive fish . They will eat most smaller fish and rip the fins of the slower fish like the Angel. A tight-fitting cover is a must as they are accomplished jumpers. Like the Betta males will fight each other often to the death, so only keep one per tank. This species adapts readily to a wide range of foods, including small live foods, such as bloodworms, Tubifex worms, earthworms, glass worms and brine shrimp. They also accept the common flake and frozen foods. It is a good idea to supplement their diets with Spirulina based foods to provide vegetable matter.

Found in marshy areas of Korea, China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

A rise in temperature is usually enough to trigger the spawning in a well conditioned pair. This fish is an egg layer . The male will build a bubble nest to house the eggs during spawning . Like the Betta, the spawning tank must have plenty of hiding spaces like rocks caves and plants or the male may harm the female after all the eggs are laid. It is best to remove the female right after spawning. The eggs normally hatch in 24 to 36 hours. The fry start to swim the moment they are hatched . For best results the spawning tank should be shallow as the fry's labyrinth organ are not fully developed when born. The fry are very small and must be fed the finest of foods, growth is rapid.

Photos © Wiljo Jonsson	Photos courtesy of FRESHWATER FISH IN AQUARIUM