Description
Black Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis)
📌 Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Macropodus opercularis (Black variant)
-
Family: Osphronemidae
-
Origin: Southeast Asia
-
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
-
Dark, black metallic body; long flowing fins, especially in males.
-
Semi-aggressive, territorial with other males.
-
Active swimmers; enjoy plants and shaded areas.
-
Hardy and resilient to varying water conditions.
🍽️ Food
-
Omnivorous: flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms).
-
Feed 2 small meals daily.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
-
Minimum 20 gallons for one male with 2–3 females.
-
Moderate filtration; calm water preferred.
-
Decor: plants, driftwood, floating plants; provide open swimming areas.
-
Water Changes: 25% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
-
Territorial male; can be kept singly or in a harem setup.
-
Compatible with peaceful, similarly sized fish.
✅ Do’s
-
Provide hiding spots and floating plants.
-
Maintain stable water parameters.
-
Feed a varied diet to enhance fin health and body coloration.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t keep multiple males in a small tank.
-
Avoid aggressive tank mates.
-
Do not house with very small fish.
⭐ Quick Tips
-
Black Paradise Gourami is striking with its dark color and flowing fins.
-
Semi-aggressive; excellent for species-specific or carefully planned community tanks.
