http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=paradise-fish-new-to-it#1 I’d like to get some help: I just bought 4 Paradise fish; 1x couple and 2 small ones - shop assistant didn’t tell me if they’re males, females or a couple. I’d like to know when they start to breed, if it’s possible to breed small and big ones together or if it’s necessary to buy another male or female. Also, is it possible to breed various Paradise fish species together; Macropodus chinensis with Macropodus opercularis? My fish are all Macropodus opercularis and I’d like to buy other Paradise fish variations. My tank - 70 litres. Thanks for your answers . Mike original post: December 14, 2006, 8:22 am anonymous 2008-04-30 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=paradise-fish-new-to-it#2 Hello Mike, Check the Paradise fish profile here: http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?what=fish&cur_lang=2&id=30. RE your questions: Male is bigger and more coloured than female. They start to breed when the female reaches it’s maturity, what happens at the age of 5+ months. It also depends on various factors like lighting, temperature, plants, water current and so. It’s possible to breed various sizes of Paradise fish, however I’d like to warn you about their aggressivity; 2 Paradise fish per 70 litres are enough. You will see if it’s a female if her belly is bigger than the male’s one; and she will be full of eggs. I haven’t heard of breeding various Paradise fish species. jan 2008-04-30 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=paradise-fish-new-to-it#3 Hello Jan, Thanks for your help . I decided to buy a new large tank; 180 litres, so I will keep housing all paradise fish. They’re eating my Ramshorn Snails, what is very good . I went crazy some time ago about them. I’m about to start that new tank soon, btw. I already have the plants and equipment. Mike anonymous 2008-04-30 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=paradise-fish-new-to-it#4 Hi,guys! I just bought a pair of Red Back Macropods, Macropodus erythropterus, a week ago. After 3 days the male started to build a bubblenest, and soon after that they spawned. I was very surprised how gentle and nonaggressive the male was to the female, even after the spawning he didn’t attack or try to chase her away! I decided anyway to take her out of the tank, and today the male is happily guarding his newly hatched babies that are hanging under the bubblenest! Here’s a photo taken yesterday, before the eggs hatched. So far so good! Thaifighter thaifighter 2008-04-30