Blue Paradise Gourami

Blue Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis), also known as the Blue Paradise Fish, is an eye-catching freshwater labyrinth fish with blue and red markings and flowing fins. This hardy, inquisitive species can be a striking centerpiece for the right aquarium, but it is territorial and is not suitable for every peaceful community tank.

Key Features

• Colorful blue paradise variety of the classic Paradise Fish
• Active, intelligent surface-to-midwater fish
• Breathes atmospheric air using a labyrinth organ
• Best selected with tankmate compatibility in mind

Care Information

• Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
• Common names: Blue Paradise Gourami, Paradise Fish
• Adult size: Approximately 3–4 inches
• Temperature: Roughly 62–75°F for routine care; prefers cooler water than many tropical gouramis
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• General hardness: Approximately 5–20 dGH
• Minimum aquarium: About 20 gallons for a single fish; larger is better when mixing tankmates
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; males are particularly territorial
• Swimming area: Upper to middle levels, with access to the surface
• Diet: Omnivorous; quality pellets or flakes supplemented with appropriate frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms
• Care level: Easy to moderate with proper stocking

Tankmates and Setup

Important: Avoid keeping multiple adult males together in an ordinary aquarium. Use caution with bettas, other gouramis, very small fish, shrimp, timid species and long-finned tankmates. Carefully selected, robust, short-finned fish with similar temperature needs may work in a spacious setup, but individual temperament varies.

Provide plants, hiding spots, broken lines of sight, gentle to moderate flow and a secure-fitting lid. Leave access to the water surface for air breathing. Maintain stable water conditions and avoid overheating the aquarium.

Availability

Sold individually. In-store purchase or local pickup only. Tropical Treasures Wyo does not ship live fish. Visit our freshwater aquarium store in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or contact us to confirm current availability before traveling.