Macropod (Macropodus opercularis)

Aquarium enthusiasts have been captivated by the striking and resilient Macropod, popularly referred to as the Paradise Fish, for centuries. This fish, which possesses a bold personality and vivid colors, is visually stunning and captivating to watch. Originating from East Asia, aquarists have long favored the Macropod because of its adaptability and capacity to flourish in a range of conditions.

Both novice and seasoned hobbyists will benefit from this fish. It is a great addition to most aquariums since it is adaptable to various water conditions and doesn’t need a lot of extra care. For those who keep them, the peculiar behavior of the macropod—such as creating bubble nests—adds intrigue and makes for a memorable experience.

This article will examine thetraits, needs for maintenance, and fascinating behaviors of the

The macropod, commonly called the paradise fish, is a resilient and eye-catching freshwater species that has long been a favorite of aquarium hobbyists. This fish, which is well-known for its vivid colors and intricate fins, requires little maintenance, which makes it a great option for both novice and expert aquarists. The Macropod, though beautiful, can be territorial, so keeping an aquarium peaceful requires an understanding of its behavior and habitat requirements.

Habitat and Environment

Asia is made up of Taiwan, Hainan Island, northern and central Vietnam, northeastern Laos, and China, which is located south of the Yangtze River basin.

Numerous nations, including South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and the United States, have introduced* populations, which are primarily dispersed due to the aquarium trade.

Inhabits any shallow water body, from small streams and irrigation canals in agricultural areas to the backwaters of large rivers, usually accompanied by dense thickets of aquatic and coastal vegetation. can survive in extremely low oxygen stagnant water. happens in ditches, rice fields, and streams.

* Introduction is the deliberate or unintentional movement of individual members of any species of plant or animal into new habitats outside of their native range.

Description

The sides of the body are tightly compressed. The male’s dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are longer and terminate in threads, indicating strong development in these areas.

The body features wide red and green stripes that alternate against a background that is either brownish or greenish-brown. The caudal fin is red, and the dorsal and anal fins are bluish with red thread-like outgrowths.

The coloration intensifies dramatically in response to temperature changes and during the mating season.

Size:

A standard length of 70 to 80 mm is the max.

Behavior and compatibility

Because of their territorial aggression, which is especially noticeable during the breeding season, males shouldn’t be kept together unless the aquarium is very big. To divert their attention, it’s also a good idea to provide two or more females for every male.

In a shared aquarium, fish that have grown apart exhibit aggressive behavior. They can be kept in pairs or with any other fish once they have grown together.

Aquarium

For a pair of these fish, a minimum aquarium size of 80 * 30 cm should be used.

This species is fairly adaptable and will thrive in a range of aquarium environments, though it is not particularly fond of bright lighting. However, it looks fantastic in aquariums with a lot of vegetation, as this is where its vibrant color really pops.

It is not crucially important what the water’s chemical makeup is. They are equally at ease in neutral or slightly acidic water, as well as soft and relatively hard water. The ideal temperature range for an aquarium is between 24 and 26 °C; however, it can be beneficial to raise the temperature to 28 or even 30 °C.

Driftwood can be created by arranging its roots and branches to create multiple shadow areas. Additionally, surface or floating vegetation should be added.

A few handfuls of dried oak or beech leaves will finish the imitation of a natural appearance.

Water parameters:

In the range of 16 to 26 °C pH range: 6.0 to 8.0 Intensity: 5–19 °DGH

Although aeration-free filtration is not required, they still prefer clean water, so equipment installation is still required. Reduce the amount of water movement. Weekly water changes are completed by 1/4.

Feeding

They are predators in the wild, going after insects, invertebrates, and fry.

This species, like the majority of labyrinth fish, is omnivorous and unpretentious, accepting a wide variety of dry, frozen, and live food sources. All food kinds should be included in the diet because fish can only display their full range of color nuances when they have a varied diet.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have longer threads on their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins and are bigger than females.

It takes them six months to reach sexual maturity.

Breeding

It’s not hard to breed. Every labyrinth fish reproduces under the same circumstances as mentioned.

For spawning, aquariums with a minimum capacity of 8 to 12 liters are utilized. Water should be between 22 and 24 °C, though 28 °C is also possible. The spawning ground should have as many plants as are required to conceal the female from the male who is chasing her.

A tight-fitting cover is necessary for the spawning aquarium (some breeders cover it with cling film). This is because the fry require access to a layer of warm, moist air, as it can interfere with the development of the labyrinth organ.

The breeders should be kept apart for two to three weeks prior to breeding.

The male constructs an air bubble nest that is 1-2 cm high and 5–6 cm in diameter. One to two days after nest construction begins, spawning takes place. Because they are light and have a yellowish hue, the eggs float to the top of the water. The eggs are placed in the nest by the male. Spawning lasts for a few hours. The female can spawn up to 1000 eggs during this time, and once spawning is finished, the eggs need to be removed.

The larvae hatch after about a day and a half (they may hatch sooner or later, depending on the temperature), and the young start swimming freely after three to four days. The male should now be removed, and the fry should be fed rotifers, infusoria, or "dust"—in extreme circumstances, egg yolk.

The male fry loses interest in them when they can swim freely, and this is when he should be removed.

The fry grow quickly; within 7 to 10 days of their birth, they are able to eat brine shrimp and cyclops nauplii. Owing to their uneven growth, the fry must be sorted, with the appropriate size being chosen.

The lifespan can reach ten years when favorable conditions are created.

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Aspect Description
Scientific Name Macropodus opercularis
Common Name Paradise Fish
Size Up to 7 cm (2.8 inches)
Diet Omnivorous, eats small insects, worms, and flakes
Tank Size Minimum 20 liters (5 gallons)
Water Temperature 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Behavior Territorial, especially males
Lifespan 5-8 years
Origin East Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam)
Coloration

The Macropod, commonly referred to as the Paradise Fish, is a stunning and resilient species that can add some color to any aquarium. Both beginning and seasoned aquarists choose it for their aquariums because of its eye-catching appearance and comparatively simple maintenance.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that macropods can be territorial and may not get along with all of their tankmates, even though they are usually easy to care for. By giving them lots of room and hiding places, you can reduce their aggression.

The Macropod is an enjoyable fish to keep overall. It can flourish and show off all of its brilliant colors and distinctive behaviors given the correct conditions and attention.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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