© Aaron Norman
Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
The Paradise Fish was the first tropical aquarium fish imported into Europe about 150 years ago. Like bettas and gouramis, it is able to take air directly at the surface of the water because of a respiratory organ known as a labyrinth. This fish grows to four inches and should not be kept with any small species.
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A water temperature of 68º to 78º Fahrenheit, a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, and soft to hard water are the only requirements for the hardy Paradise Fish. All flake and freeze-dried foods are consumed, but an occasional feeding of blackworms should also be offered.
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