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What are the requirements of a paradise fish? Would they do well in a 2 gallon or something small? I am thinking about getting two.

Chris

Paradise fish get to about 4" - not counting the flowing tail. A 2 gallon would be too small for one let alone 2. I'd say a minimum tank for a single paradise fish should be 10 gallons, and then I'd not keep any tankmates with that single fish as paradise fish can get bored, and therefore aggressive, in a 10 gallon tank. I'd say 25+ gallons for a pair, and even then two males won't get along and will fight like bettas.

Eric

But the only fish in the tank would be 2 paradise, one female and one male. Does it really need ot be that big?

Chris

Yes, Paridise fish need alot of room and alot of plants.

Inky

Chris - people sometimes advertise paradise fish as being like bettas and not needing much space. While one could live in a 2 gallon, you'd need to do daily 50%ish water changes and you'd likely stunt the growth of the poor fish.

Paradise fish, IMHO, are like the cichlids of the anabantoid realm - bigger, aggressive unless they have plenty of tank space, and they can be rough even with mated pairs (some pairs are great together, though).

They're also highly personable, highly interactive with the "food god", and like to have a large space to explore.

As Inkling said, they need the space.

Eric

only keep one in a 2 gallon

2 gal is TOO SMALL for a paradise.

They get about 4" long and while they are young, are incredibly active.

I think you'd need a 10 or more for a parasdise to live comfortably.

With a lot of work you could get one to survive, but it wouldn't really thrive and live a long life.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

The only fish you can really keep in a 2g tank is a betta. Why don't you just upgrade to a 10g. A standard 10g aquarium is only 10$ and would open up your choices a lot.