Paradise Gourami

[RazzleFish]

So after a recent mishap with the heater in my 20 gallon tall tank I am left without a betta. I was looking at maybe getting a dwarf gourami but then I saw a paradise gourami. Everywhere I look I get different tank sizes and also different fish sizes. Is my tank too small for one? Are there different species or are the different "kinds" just selectively bred? Any other info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
RazzleFish

[arise1dwr]

20 gallons should be very adequate for one male, they don't really grow bigger than 5 inches.

[Chrisinator]

Try looking up Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis). I'm not familiar with Paradise Gourami -- but I know Paradise Fish. Yes, when I look online, their sizes vary, but the biggest I've seen at an LFS is 3 inches. 3.5 with the tail. I think they could grow to abotu 4.5 - 5 inches, but I've never kept one so I cant' tell you for sure.. Your tank is definetely big enough for one but not sure about how much space you'll have left for other fish.

There is a Black Paradise Fish (M. concolor) and the more common (M. opercularis). The M. opercularis has an albino verision and a blue one (regular). There is also the Chinese Paradise Fish, which I think is beatiful, (M. ocellatus)

[arise1dwr]

I like to think that per 1 inch of fish there should be at least 5 gallons of water. So ideally if your fish does grow to 5 inches (thats including tail) this tank should be ok.

Im assuming you kept your betta alone, i would suggest the same for the paradise fish, as they have similar behavior due to them being cousins.

[RazzleFish]

I really like the Macropodus ocellatus. How do you think that youd do with harlequin rasboras and habrosus cories? Do you think they will get eaten?

[Chrisinator]

I'm not really sure with temperement but I think Paradise Fish are much more flexible in terms of keeping things with them. Your Harlequins should be fine along with your Habrosus Corydoras. I also love the M. occelatus but I've never actually seen one in person.

[Chrisinator]

I like to think that per 1 inch of fish there should be at least 5 gallons of water. So ideally if your fish does grow to 5 inches (thats including tail) this tank should be ok.

Im assuming you kept your betta alone, i would suggest the same for the paradise fish, as they have similar behavior due to them being cousins.

An inch of fish per 5 gallons? That's kind of understocking LOL. You could fit more in a tank.

[Sevast0]

I think you could keep one with those fish. Both of mine don't care about any other fish at all. I have kept mine with large tetras, small tetras (like neon tetras), cories, angelfish, dwarf gouramis (which the two never bothered each other in my tanks. They never even looked at each other), a Bolivian ram, platies, and glass catfish. I've never had a problem with them an any other fish. I'm sure though that just like bettas they can have different personailities and some will accept other fish and some wont. Also, I think a 20g would be good for one and some other fish, I have one in a 20g now.

[RazzleFish]

So going back to the stocking list from my other thread:

1 Betta
8 Harlequins
10 Habrosus Cories

I would be putting the paradise in place of the betta so do I need to cut back on either the harlequins or cories to fit it's bio-load?

[Jayhawk]

I think that stocking should work, but I'd check the nitrates when the fish are full grown...it's a bit more heavily stocked than I'd go with, but not by much.

My stocking would be 1 paradise fish, 8 harlies, and 6 cories...but I tend to understock.

FWIW, paradise fish are one of my all time favorite fish. They're so personable and truly one of the best wet pets out there.

Eric

[SilasMortimer]

Paradise fish and paradise gouramis are the same. They were once classified as gouramis but that changed for some reason. Still anabantids, though.

Mine actually tends to school with my rainbows most of the time, then goes off by himself when he wants to be alone. There are also black tetras, peppered cories, a leaf fish, a Bolivian ram and a very young pleco in the same tank. No problems.

As far as overstocking, if it's a planted tank, the amount you have will actually be beneficial and not stress the fish.

[Kuhlifan]

They are usually peaceful with other fish, although some individuals could be more aggressive, just like with any fish.

They can be pretty fun to watch. Mine would pick up whole shrimp pellets and swim around with them sticking out of his mouth like a dog with a bone.

Watch out though, they are jumpers. Make sure your tank is covered.

Beware of mixing with bettas. They are similar and may fight.

[RazzleFish]

OK I think I will keep the stocking plan as is (without the betta) since my tank will be planted (I already have the plants but they are small). I assume, like betta and gouramis, that I should add him last. Is this correct?

Thank You! I am so excited!!!!!!

[Kuhlifan]

Adding last would probably be best, although it may not make that much of a difference (again, depending on personality).