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The Paradise Fish, also known as the Blue Paradise, is a brightly colored member of the labyrinth fish group. Although labyrinth fish have gills, they also have a special organ which allows them to also breathe directly from the air. As a result, they prefer to have access to the surface of the water in the aquarium. The body of the Paradise Fish has alternating turquoise-blue and orange stripes that extend into the fins and tail. There is a spot in the gills, and a pattern of dark scaling on the head reaching over the back and fading as it goes down the back. The fins and tail have a feather-like appearance, like that of a Betta. The Paradise Fish is a good jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.

The Paradise Fish requires a larger aquarium, at least 30 gallons, with lots of hiding places for the female. It will not eat plants, but because of its active courtship and mock battles between tank mates, only very hardy vegetation is advised. The Paradise Fish is a territorial fish that will defend its area from its tank mates. For this reason, it should only be kept with other large, semi-aggressive fish. It will also eat smaller tank mates. Adult males should be kept one per aquarium, as they fight as fiercely as Bettas.

The male Paradise Fish has much longer fins than the female and is more brightly colored. To induce spawning, reduce the water level and increase the temperature. Breeding is relatively easy and spawning can result in up to 500 fry. The male will build a bubblenest beneath a large leaf where the eggs will be stored. When the fry are hatched, they should be fed infusoria, and when older, brine shrimp.

The Paradise Fish is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide thise fish with the proper nutrition.

Ideal tank mates include: Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Rasboras, Danios, Rainbowfish, Barbs, Catfish, Loaches and Scavenger Catfish.