Paradise Fish: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Paradise fish are colorful, hardy and happy in a cool room. They are also aggressive, so choose tankmates with great care.

Adult size
3.9 in10 cm
Smallest tank
20 gallons76 liters
How many
One male
Temperature
61–79 °F16–26 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Aggressive
Swims
Near the top
Heater needed
In a cool room

What size tank does a paradise fish need?

At least 20 gallons (76 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis.

How many paradise fish in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if paradise fish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Keep one paradise fish per tank, whatever the size. Of the common sizes, these are big enough: 20 gallon long, 29 gallon, 40 gallon breeder, 55 gallon, 75 gallon, 125 gallon.

Check paradise fish against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Its long fins are a target. Avoid fin-nippers such as tiger barbs and serpae tetras.

Tank mates for paradise fish

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Paradise fish and betta both claim the top of the tank as their own. They usually fight.
  • Guppy: Paradise fish is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as guppy.
  • Angelfish: Paradise fish often attacks other fish with long, flowing fins, such as angelfish.
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.

Questions and answers

What size tank does a paradise fish need?

At least 20 gallons (76 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many paradise fish should be kept together?

One male per tank. Males fight each other.

Can paradise fish live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Paradise fish needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).

What temperature do paradise fish need?

61–79 °F (16–26 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can paradise fish live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Paradise fish and betta both claim the top of the tank as their own. They usually fight.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.