Blue Flame Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis) Bred in SA

Blue Flame Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis)

The Blue Flame Paradise Gourami is a visually stunning freshwater fish, known for its radiant blue coloration, fiery red accents, and long, flowing fins. This striking variant of the Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) is native to East Asia and has been a popular aquarium species for decades due to its vibrant appearance and hardiness. With a feisty temperament, it is best suited for experienced aquarists.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Paradise Gouramis inhabit slow-moving streams, rice paddies, and ponds across East Asia. These environments are typically warm, shallow, and densely vegetated, offering plenty of cover and food sources.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 liters for a single individual; larger tanks (100 liters+) are recommended for pairs or community setups.
• Water Temperature: 20–26°C.
• pH Range: 6.0–8.0.
• Water Hardness: 5–19 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Gentle flow is ideal, as they are native to slow-moving waters.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel.
• Decor: Include driftwood, rocks, and caves for territorial boundaries and hiding spots.
• Plants: Use live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, or Hornwort to mimic their natural environment and provide shade. Floating plants such as Duckweed or Salvinia are beneficial for creating a calm surface.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient to highlight their colors without stressing them.

Tank Mates

Blue Flame Paradise Gouramis are semi-aggressive, particularly during breeding or in small spaces. Suitable tank mates include:

• Fast-swimming species like danios, barbs, or rainbowfish.
• Bottom-dwellers such as Corydoras or small plecos.
  Avoid: Slow-moving or long-finned fish (e.g., guppies, bettas) that may become targets of aggression.

Feeding

The Blue Flame Paradise Gourami is an omnivore with a preference for live or frozen foods:

• Staple Foods: High-quality pellets or flakes designed for gouramis or tropical fish.
• Protein: Live or frozen options such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods for balanced nutrition.
  Feed 1–2 times daily, ensuring that all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Paradise Gouramis are active and often patrol the tank, displaying their vibrant colors and interacting with their environment.
• Social Behavior: Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, and should not be housed with other aggressive species.
• Labyrinth Fish: Like all gouramis, they can breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-poor waters.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Flame Paradise Gouramis is achievable with proper care and setup.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Tank Size: 40 liters or more with shallow water (15–20 cm depth).
• Temperature: 24–28°C.
• pH: 6.5–7.5.
• Provide floating plants or bubble-nesting platforms.

Breeding Process

1. The male builds a bubble nest at the water’s surface.
2. After courtship, the female lays eggs, which the male collects and places in the nest.
3. The male guards the nest and tends to the eggs until they hatch, typically within 24–48 hours.

Fry Care

• Remove the female after spawning to avoid aggression.
• Feed fry with infusoria or liquid fry food initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Key Notes

• Behavior: Males can be aggressive, especially in small tanks or during breeding. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflicts.
• Maintenance: Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality and prevent stress.
• Health: Monitor for signs of common illnesses like fin rot or ich, which can occur if water conditions deteriorate.

The Blue Flame Paradise Gourami (Macropodus opercularis) is a captivating centerpiece fish that brings vibrant color and personality to medium-sized aquariums. With proper care, it thrives as both a solo showpiece or in a well-chosen community setup.