The red-backed paradise fish (Macropodus erythropterus) is a species of gourami endemic to streams in Vietnam.

This species grows to a standard length of 6.5 cm (2.6 in),[2] and it is sometimes seen in the aquarium trade.

[1] Here it inhabits hill streams in areas with submerged roots and overhanging vegetation.

[2] This species cannot be reliably separated from M. hongkongensis, M. opercularis and M. spechti by meristics and morphometrics.

[4] It differs from the first two in colouration, but the validity of the generally recognised colour differences between M. erythropterus and M. spechti (the latter lacking red in the dorsal, anal and tail fins) is questionable and a review of specimens in 2008 found that it was not reliable.