Macropodus opercularis or by its common name Paradise Fishis a beautiful blend of reds, blacks, blues, and whites. The Paradise Fish is a labyrinth fish that can survive in waters with low oxygen content by gulping atmospheric air with the aid of a special breathing organ in their heads. This beautiful tropical fish was discovered way back in the beginning of the aquarium hobby to be accurate it was the first tropical fish that was kept in aquariums. The Paradise Fish is hardy fish that suit perfectly to newly fish keepers. This colorful fish belongs to the Labyrinth Fish.

From a developmental the labyrinth fish are relatively young. Anabantoidei contains 5 families with more then 80 species classified into 18 genera. Labyrinth fish colonize Africa as well as Southeast Asia.The labyrinth fish is an adaptation to the oxygen poor waters the Anabantoidei typically inhabit, allowing the fish to breathe atmospheric air. The suborder Anabantoidei contains small, colorful fish ideal for the aquarium, but the giant gourami is found within this suborder as well. Bubble nests are often an intrinsic part of the reproductive strategy of Asian species.

The paradise fish is durable to low water conditions. In large aquariums these fish need good filtration system with low to moderate water flow. If water flow is too strong, the fish will settle in a spot where flow is lowest and will hardly move from it. When kept in a jar, water should be changed every week- the amount of water changed, depends on the jar's volume. These versatile fish can be successfully housed and bred in both aquariums and garden ponds. The paradise fish adapts to wide range waters but prefers water less than very hard. Paradise Fish are bubble nest breeders. Put one male and one female (she has to be full of eggs, check her belly’s size) into aquarium of 80-100 liters and let them breed. Conditioning is made by feeding the fish live or frozen foods about two to three times a day, and making frequent water changes. Conditioning should take about two weeks at least, and can take up to one month, depending on the food quality and water temperature. After the couple is ready put the male on day one and the female in on day two. They will build a bubble nest and spawn in it. The male will guard the eggs. This is the time to remove the female. The male will guard the young for 3 days. After 3 days the male should removed from the tank otherwise he will eat the fry. Juveniles are peaceful toward others of the same species, but as they grow up, aggression increasesWhen fry accept crushed granules, they start to grow even though crushed food and fry food are ok, live food is essential. Artemia or frozen cyclops can be used.

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