Fin's Fish Guide
Chinese fighting fish
The Chinese fighting fish (Macropodus opercularis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 7 cm.
East Asia, in all kinds of lowland waters from the banks and backwaters of large rivers to small streams, irrigation channels and stagnant waters.
Description
The paradisefish is a colourful labyrinth fish (family Osphronemidae) of East Asia. The species reaches about 7 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with alternating red and blue bars and trailing fins. It inhabits all kinds of lowland waters, from margins and backwaters of large rivers to small streams, irrigation channels and stagnant waters, and can gulp air with a labyrinth organ to survive low-oxygen conditions. Its diet consists of insects, insect larvae and small zooplankton. Males build a bubble nest and are fiercely territorial. The species was one of the first tropical aquarium fishes and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese fighting fish?
The Chinese fighting fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Labyrinth fish that can gulp air; males build a bubble nest; one of the first tropical aquarium fishes.
Where does the Chinese fighting fish live?
The Chinese fighting fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. East Asia, in all kinds of lowland waters from the banks and backwaters of large rivers to small streams, irrigation channels and stagnant waters.
How big does the Chinese fighting fish get?
The Chinese fighting fish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Chinese fighting fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese fighting fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese fighting fish edible?
The Chinese fighting fish is not usually eaten.
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More from the family Osphronemidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese fighting fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.