Red/ Apricot Paradisefish 3-5cm

Description

Red / Apricot Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

Vibrant, hardy and full of personality, the Red / Apricot Paradise Fish is a stunning colour variety of one of the aquarium hobby's oldest ornamental fish. Its brilliant warm red and apricot tones make it a striking centrepiece for cool or tropical freshwater aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
  • Common name: Red / Apricot Paradise Fish
  • Adult size: 8–10 cm
  • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Best kept: Individually, compatible pairs or with robust community fish

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful fish with plenty of personality.
  • You're looking for a hardy species suitable for cooler water.
  • You enjoy keeping classic labyrinth fish.
  • You want a standout feature fish for your aquarium.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep delicate nano fish or shrimp.
  • You have long-finned fish such as Bettas.
  • Your aquarium is overcrowded.
  • You want a completely peaceful community aquarium.

Why choose Red / Apricot Paradise Fish?

The Red / Apricot Paradise Fish is a selectively bred colour variety of the Paradise Fish, displaying beautiful shades of red, orange and apricot that stand out against its flowing fins. Their rich colours intensify as they mature, especially when housed in spacious, well-maintained aquariums.

Originally one of the first ornamental fish introduced to Europe in the 1800s, Paradise Fish remain popular thanks to their intelligence, resilience and fascinating behaviour. They quickly learn feeding routines and are often among the first fish to greet their owners.

Like all Paradise Fish, this variety possesses a specialised labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air, making it highly adaptable to a variety of aquarium conditions.

Benefits

  • Beautiful red and apricot colouration
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Suitable for cool or tropical aquariums
  • Excellent centrepiece fish
  • Intelligent and interactive personality
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 18–26Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Diet: Premium pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, hiding places and open swimming areas
  • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
  • Rainbowfish
  • Larger Barbs
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Weather Loaches (in suitably sized cool-water aquariums)
NTA Insight:
The Red / Apricot variety offers a completely different look to the classic blue Paradise Fish while retaining the same hardy nature and engaging personality. Their warm colours become especially vivid over dark substrates and in aquariums with natural lighting. Like most Paradise Fish, males display their brightest colours during courtship and territorial displays.

FAQ

How big do Red / Apricot Paradise Fish grow?

Most adults reach around 8–10 cm, making them excellent feature fish for medium-sized aquariums.

Are Red / Apricot Paradise Fish aggressive?

They are considered semi-aggressive. Mature males can become territorial, particularly towards other Paradise Fish or similarly shaped species, but they generally do well with robust community fish in spacious aquariums.

Do they need a heater?

Not always. Paradise Fish tolerate cooler temperatures than many tropical fish and can often be kept in unheated indoor aquariums, depending on your local climate. Stable temperatures are more important than warm water.

Can they live with Bettas?

No. Both species are territorial labyrinth fish and should not be housed together, as aggression is common.

Is the Red / Apricot Paradise Fish a different species?

No. It is a selectively bred colour variety of the Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) and shares the same care requirements as the standard and blue varieties.

Red/ Apricot Paradisefish 3-5cm

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Out of stock,  

$15.00


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    Description

    Red / Apricot Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

    Vibrant, hardy and full of personality, the Red / Apricot Paradise Fish is a stunning colour variety of one of the aquarium hobby's oldest ornamental fish. Its brilliant warm red and apricot tones make it a striking centrepiece for cool or tropical freshwater aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Macropodus opercularis
    • Common name: Red / Apricot Paradise Fish
    • Adult size: 8–10 cm
    • Tank size: 75L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Best kept: Individually, compatible pairs or with robust community fish

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful fish with plenty of personality.
    • You're looking for a hardy species suitable for cooler water.
    • You enjoy keeping classic labyrinth fish.
    • You want a standout feature fish for your aquarium.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep delicate nano fish or shrimp.
    • You have long-finned fish such as Bettas.
    • Your aquarium is overcrowded.
    • You want a completely peaceful community aquarium.

    Why choose Red / Apricot Paradise Fish?

    The Red / Apricot Paradise Fish is a selectively bred colour variety of the Paradise Fish, displaying beautiful shades of red, orange and apricot that stand out against its flowing fins. Their rich colours intensify as they mature, especially when housed in spacious, well-maintained aquariums.

    Originally one of the first ornamental fish introduced to Europe in the 1800s, Paradise Fish remain popular thanks to their intelligence, resilience and fascinating behaviour. They quickly learn feeding routines and are often among the first fish to greet their owners.

    Like all Paradise Fish, this variety possesses a specialised labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air, making it highly adaptable to a variety of aquarium conditions.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful red and apricot colouration
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Suitable for cool or tropical aquariums
    • Excellent centrepiece fish
    • Intelligent and interactive personality
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 18–26Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–8.0
    • Diet: Premium pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, hiding places and open swimming areas
    • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • White Cloud Mountain Minnows
    • Rainbowfish
    • Larger Barbs
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Weather Loaches (in suitably sized cool-water aquariums)
    NTA Insight:
    The Red / Apricot variety offers a completely different look to the classic blue Paradise Fish while retaining the same hardy nature and engaging personality. Their warm colours become especially vivid over dark substrates and in aquariums with natural lighting. Like most Paradise Fish, males display their brightest colours during courtship and territorial displays.

    FAQ

    How big do Red / Apricot Paradise Fish grow?

    Most adults reach around 8–10 cm, making them excellent feature fish for medium-sized aquariums.

    Are Red / Apricot Paradise Fish aggressive?

    They are considered semi-aggressive. Mature males can become territorial, particularly towards other Paradise Fish or similarly shaped species, but they generally do well with robust community fish in spacious aquariums.

    Do they need a heater?

    Not always. Paradise Fish tolerate cooler temperatures than many tropical fish and can often be kept in unheated indoor aquariums, depending on your local climate. Stable temperatures are more important than warm water.

    Can they live with Bettas?

    No. Both species are territorial labyrinth fish and should not be housed together, as aggression is common.

    Is the Red / Apricot Paradise Fish a different species?

    No. It is a selectively bred colour variety of the Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis) and shares the same care requirements as the standard and blue varieties.

    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.

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