A semi-aggressive carnivore osphronemidae from East Asian freshwaters — beginner-friendly.
Care parameters
Water temperature
16–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
4.7–6.7 cm
Minimum tank
67 L
Water layer
Upper; surface-oriented
Difficulty
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive; one male per tank
Origin
东亚淡水水系
Species overview
Macropodus opercularis of the family Osphronemidae is an aquarium-kept Osphronemidae. Semi-aggressive; one male per tank and carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods, it grows to 4.7–6.7 cm and prefers 16–26 °C water. Other Macropodus species in our database include Macropodus erythropterus, Macropodus hongkongensis, Macropodus ocellatus.
Native biotope
Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Dark fine gravel or sand
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Dense floating plants for cover and security
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods
Recommended tankmates
Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
Its own males — Territorial fighting
Long-finned fish — Prone to fin nipping
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Bubble nester; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes
Frequently asked questions
Can round-tailed paradise fish overwinter in an unheated room?
Yes — within reason. It tolerates the mid-teens Celsius and brief drops lower, making it one of the very few showy fish for genuinely unheated setups. Avoid freezing temperatures.
How do I tell it from the fork-tailed paradise fish?
The tail shape is the giveaway: rounded versus forked. M. chinensis also tolerates cooler water and tends to be somewhat stockier.
Is it more aggressive than M. opercularis?
Both are territorial males; M. chinensis is comparably aggressive toward rivals and similarly peaceful toward fish it cannot bully. One male per modest tank remains the rule.
Can they survive winter in an outdoor tub?
In mild temperate climates, yes — with depth against freezing and a hole kept open in ice; they endure cold that would kill most aquarium fish.