Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish 3-5cm

Description

Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

Vibrant, intelligent and full of character, the Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish is a stunning colour variety of one of the world's oldest aquarium fish. Featuring a striking metallic blue head, warm apricot-orange body and elegant flowing fins, this beautiful labyrinth fish makes an impressive centrepiece for temperate or tropical planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
  • Common name: Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish
  • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy to Moderate
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Best kept: Singly, as a compatible pair, or with suitable community fish

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful centrepiece fish with plenty of personality.
  • You enjoy interactive fish that recognise their keeper.
  • You keep a planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space.
  • You're looking for a hardy labyrinth fish that tolerates cooler temperatures.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep slow-moving fish with long flowing fins.
  • You have a very small community aquarium.
  • You intend to keep multiple adult males together.
  • Your aquarium contains very timid nano fish.

Why choose the Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish?

The Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish is a selectively bred colour form of the classic Paradise Fish, combining an iridescent metallic blue head with rich apricot and orange body colouration. The contrast becomes even more striking as mature males develop extended fins and display to rivals or potential mates.

Paradise Fish are among the earliest tropical fish kept in home aquariums and are renowned for their intelligence, curiosity and resilience. They are constantly aware of their surroundings and often learn to recognise feeding routines, making them engaging fish to own.

Like Bettas and Gouramis, Paradise Fish possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling them to thrive in a variety of aquarium conditions while still requiring clean, well-maintained water.

Benefits

  • Beautiful metallic blue head with warm apricot body
  • Elegant flowing fins
  • Intelligent and interactive personality
  • Hardy and adaptable
  • Suitable for planted aquariums
  • Can be bred by experienced aquarists

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 18–26Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other protein-rich foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with driftwood and aquatic plants
  • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas and floating plants to provide cover
  • Provide a secure lid, as Paradise Fish are capable jumpers.
  • Avoid housing multiple adult males together unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and heavily structured.

Pairs perfectly with

  • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
  • Empire Gudgeons
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Larger Corydoras
  • Rainbowfish of similar size
NTA Insight:
Paradise Fish are often overlooked in favour of Bettas, but they're incredibly rewarding fish with bold personalities and impressive intelligence. The Blue Head Apricot variety adds an extra level of beauty, with colours that intensify under quality lighting and a varied diet. We recommend providing plenty of plants and visual barriers, as these fish appreciate having defined territories while still enjoying open swimming space.

FAQ

Are Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish aggressive?

They are considered semi-aggressive. While generally peaceful with suitable tank mates, males can become territorial towards other Paradise Fish and similar-looking labyrinth fish.

Do they need a heater?

Not always. Paradise Fish naturally tolerate cooler temperatures than Bettas and many tropical fish, making them suitable for temperate aquariums in many indoor environments. A heater is recommended if temperatures fluctuate significantly or fall below their preferred range.

Can they live with Bettas?

No. They should not be housed with Bettas, as both species are territorial labyrinth fish and conflicts are common.

Can they live with shrimp?

Larger shrimp may coexist, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food.

Do they breathe air?

Yes. Like Bettas and Gouramis, Paradise Fish possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air from the water's surface.

Can they breed in aquariums?

Yes. Males build bubble nests beneath floating plants and guard both the eggs and newly hatched fry.

How long do Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish live?

With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied diet, they commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish 3-5cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: FFPara5

πŸ“ In-Store Locations: APE4-44

6 in stock  

$15.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

    Vibrant, intelligent and full of character, the Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish is a stunning colour variety of one of the world's oldest aquarium fish. Featuring a striking metallic blue head, warm apricot-orange body and elegant flowing fins, this beautiful labyrinth fish makes an impressive centrepiece for temperate or tropical planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
    • Common name: Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish
    • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy to Moderate
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Best kept: Singly, as a compatible pair, or with suitable community fish

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful centrepiece fish with plenty of personality.
    • You enjoy interactive fish that recognise their keeper.
    • You keep a planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space.
    • You're looking for a hardy labyrinth fish that tolerates cooler temperatures.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep slow-moving fish with long flowing fins.
    • You have a very small community aquarium.
    • You intend to keep multiple adult males together.
    • Your aquarium contains very timid nano fish.

    Why choose the Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish?

    The Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish is a selectively bred colour form of the classic Paradise Fish, combining an iridescent metallic blue head with rich apricot and orange body colouration. The contrast becomes even more striking as mature males develop extended fins and display to rivals or potential mates.

    Paradise Fish are among the earliest tropical fish kept in home aquariums and are renowned for their intelligence, curiosity and resilience. They are constantly aware of their surroundings and often learn to recognise feeding routines, making them engaging fish to own.

    Like Bettas and Gouramis, Paradise Fish possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling them to thrive in a variety of aquarium conditions while still requiring clean, well-maintained water.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful metallic blue head with warm apricot body
    • Elegant flowing fins
    • Intelligent and interactive personality
    • Hardy and adaptable
    • Suitable for planted aquariums
    • Can be bred by experienced aquarists

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 18–26Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Premium pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other protein-rich foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with driftwood and aquatic plants
    • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas and floating plants to provide cover
    • Provide a secure lid, as Paradise Fish are capable jumpers.
    • Avoid housing multiple adult males together unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and heavily structured.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
    • Empire Gudgeons
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Larger Corydoras
    • Rainbowfish of similar size
    NTA Insight:
    Paradise Fish are often overlooked in favour of Bettas, but they're incredibly rewarding fish with bold personalities and impressive intelligence. The Blue Head Apricot variety adds an extra level of beauty, with colours that intensify under quality lighting and a varied diet. We recommend providing plenty of plants and visual barriers, as these fish appreciate having defined territories while still enjoying open swimming space.

    FAQ

    Are Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish aggressive?

    They are considered semi-aggressive. While generally peaceful with suitable tank mates, males can become territorial towards other Paradise Fish and similar-looking labyrinth fish.

    Do they need a heater?

    Not always. Paradise Fish naturally tolerate cooler temperatures than Bettas and many tropical fish, making them suitable for temperate aquariums in many indoor environments. A heater is recommended if temperatures fluctuate significantly or fall below their preferred range.

    Can they live with Bettas?

    No. They should not be housed with Bettas, as both species are territorial labyrinth fish and conflicts are common.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Larger shrimp may coexist, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food.

    Do they breathe air?

    Yes. Like Bettas and Gouramis, Paradise Fish possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air from the water's surface.

    Can they breed in aquariums?

    Yes. Males build bubble nests beneath floating plants and guard both the eggs and newly hatched fry.

    How long do Blue Head Apricot Paradise Fish live?

    With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied diet, they commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account