paradise fish

American  

noun

1. any small freshwater fish of the genus Macropodus, of southeastern Asia, often kept in aquariums.

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paradise fish British  

noun

1. any of several beautifully coloured labyrinth fishes of the genus Macropodus, esp M. opercularis, of S and SE Asia

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Etymology

Origin of paradise fish

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Paradise fish are as beautiful as butterflies.

From Project Gutenberg

Did you ever watch sticklebacks build their barrel-like nest, or the Paradise fish his floating nest, and the father fish take all the care of the young?

From Project Gutenberg

Fine vermicelli is good for gold fish, scraped lean beef is just what the sunfish and Paradise fish want.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the fishes in the first four cases, the visitor should notice the flying gurnards; the sea scorpions, and flying sea scorpions; the paradise fish; and the perches, including the fingered variety.

From Project Gutenberg

He was absorbed in a study of paradise fish at the Aquarium, staring out at people through the glass and green water of their tank.

From Project Gutenberg