Description
Blue Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Taiwan)
Size: 3 – 4 inches (7.5 – 10 cm)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Mid to top-water
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Metallic blue body with flowing fins; males display more vibrant colors than females.
Semi-aggressive, territorial, especially males.
Active mid to top-water swimmers; enjoys planted areas and calm water.
Hardy and resilient; can adapt to a range of water conditions.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
Feeding Schedule: 2 small meals daily; avoid overfeeding.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one male with females.
Filtration: Moderate; avoid strong currents.
Decor: Plants, driftwood, floating plants; open swimming spaces for males.
Water Changes: 25% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Territorial male; can be kept singly or in harem setup (1 male : 2–3 females).
Compatible with non-aggressive, similar-sized fish.
✅ Do’s
Provide floating plants and hiding spaces for stress reduction.
Feed varied diet to maintain bright blue coloration.
Keep stable water parameters.
❌ Don’ts
Avoid aggressive tank mates; males can fight.
Don’t keep multiple males in small tanks.
Avoid very small fish that may be attacked.
⭐ Quick Tips
Hardy, beautiful centerpiece fish with vibrant blue coloration.
Semi-aggressive behavior; best kept in species-specific or carefully planned community tanks
