Pez paraíso (Macropodus opercularis)

Parámetros de cuidado

Temperatura

16–26 °C

pH

6–8

Dureza GH

5–30 dGH

Tamaño adulto

6–7 cm

Tanque mínimo

40 L

Capa de nado

All layers; surface air-breather

Dificultad

Fácil

Temperamento

Territorial; males are aggressive to rivals

Origen

Southern China — Pearl & Yangtze basins

Descripción de la especie

One of the first tropical ornamentals ever kept, the Chinese paradise fish is a native labyrinth fish of southern China's rice paddies, marshes and slow ditches. Its accessory breathing organ lets it survive warm, stagnant, low-oxygen water where few other fish persist. Hardy and cold-tolerant, it is strikingly colored but territorial — a characterful centerpiece for a quiet, well-covered tank.

Biotopo natural

Hábitat

Rice paddies, ditches and sluggish streams

Corriente

Still to slow

Oxígeno disuelto

Low-oxygen tolerant via labyrinth organ

Paisaje y equipo

Sustrato

Dark sand to deepen coloration

Decoración dura

Driftwood and leaf litter for cover and tannins

Plantas

Dense and floating plants providing surface cover

Temperamento, dieta y compañeros

Sociabilidad

Solitary or a single pair — one male per tank

Dieta

Carnivore; live and frozen foods, quality flakes

Compañeros recomendados

• Fast mid-water deter fish — Stay out of its territory
• Larger peaceful barbs — Too big to be bullied
• Nerite snails — Ignored, safe algae crew

Evitar con

• Other male paradise fish — Fatal fighting
• Betta splendens — Mutual aggression
• Dwarf shrimp — Hunted and eaten
• Long-finned fish — Fins get nipped

Cría y notas

Dimorfismo sexual

Males are larger with longer, pointed, more colorful fins; females are duller and rounder

Método de cría

Bubble-nest builder. The male constructs a surface nest, embraces the female beneath it, then tends the eggs and fry alone — remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression.

Preguntas frecuentes