Family: Helostomatidae

Distribution: The Kissing Gourami prefers slow-moving bodies of water with high vegetation (ponds or marshes).  They can be found in Thailand, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Cambodia, Indonesia, Borneo and Sumatra.

PH: 6 – 8.8 pH

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82°F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: The two common names derive from (obviously) the two variations of colour and this species’ mouths.  In the wild, Helostoma temminkii is grey-green; however, they are pink when bred in captivity.  The former also display horizontal stripes and have dark fins, whilst the later have transparent fins.  Their mouths have thick lips (making the fish appear to be pouting or “kissing”) with very fine teeth inside.

The body of Helostoma temminkii is elongated and flat, although rounded.  It has a labyrinth organ, meaning it is able to take in atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream.  They require ample surface area so they can regulate their oxygen intake.  The dorsal fins and anal fins of the Kissing Gourami are long and will actually measure the same length.  The pectoral fins are enlarged; and their caudal fin is concaved.  There are no distinguishable sex differences, until they are breeding.

Individual Helostoma temminkii will demonstrate varying degrees of aggression.  Whilst they are suitable community tank fish when young, as they mature they can become more territorial.  It is best to keep them with species of a similar size.  The males may challenge one another to determine ‘top dog’ (or ‘top fish’, in this case).

Diet: Kissing Gouramis are extremely easy to feed.  They are omnivourous and will happily exist on a diet of high-quality flakes or pellets as well as some live foods such as brine shrimp or worms.  They may also accept vegetables.

Breeding: As long as your community tank does not include species that are cannibalistic, you may not need a separate breeding tank.  They like floating plants.  The eggs laid are lighter than the water and thus will float to the surface where they are almost always ignored by the parents.  They will hatch within a day and two days later the fry are happily swimming around.

Comments: Helostoma temminkii are a particularly hardy fish and can be kept by anyone with time and enthusiasm.  It is recommended that the water should be changed weekly (approximately 25% per week) in order to keep good water conditions.

They also appreciate some plants within a large tank.  In a community set up, this will allow harassed fish a place to hide, as well.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Try your Gourami with large species with a range of personalities.  Keep an eye on how they interact and do not use any fish that will provoke aggression as Helostoma temminkii will fight back. They should live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-04-17 21:37:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Trichopsis vittata, commonly known as the Croaking Gourami, is a freshwater species found in Borneo, Java, and Sumatra and from Thailand to Vietnam.  It is generally found in stagnant waters with plenty of floating vegetation, particularly throughout the middle and lower areas of the Mekong.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 22°C – 28C (71 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Trichopsis vittata can reach a length of 7 cm in an aquarium, but is usually measured at around 4 cm.   This species can vary greatly in its colouration, from brown and green to dark purple with black or red spots on its fins.  Its irises are a bright blue or purple colour.  Females are paler in their colouration than males and have a more rounded dorsal fin.  The Croaking Gourami, as you would expect, can make a croaking, grunting noise, particularly during breeding. 

Diet: The Croaking Gourami loves eating insects and insect larvae.  However, you should feed it a varied diet that includes insects, flake, freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and some algae-based flakes.

Breeding: The male Croaking Gourami will build a bubble nest in your aquarium, made from air bubbles and leaf mucus.  To trigger spawning you should lower the water level by eight inches and keep the circulation to a minimum.  After spawning, the female will release 5 – 10 eggs; the male will collect the eggs and spit them into his nest.  This will happen several times until 100 – 200 eggs are laid.  Move the female after spawning, but keep the male as he will tend to the eggs and fry.  Move the male out of the tank when the fry are 2 – 3 days old.

Comments: Trichopsis vittata should be housed in a tank that is about 40 litres in volume, even larger if possible.  This fish will prefer a heavily vegetated tank that resembles its natural environment, including floating plants at the top. You should provide plenty of rocks, driftwood and a dark substrate, along with dim lighting and some space at the top of the water so it can gulp the air. You will need to conduct small water changes every now and then to keep it free from disease.  This species is reasonably difficult to look after and is suitable for more experienced hobbyists.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Trichopsis vittata should not be housed with large aggressive cichlids.  They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 22:03:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Colisa lalia, better known as Dwarf Gourami, is a popular freshwater species with its origins in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.  This species likes to reside in vegetation-heavy lakes and slow streams.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 25°C – 28°C (77 – 82F)

Hardness: 4 – 10 dH

Description: Colisa lalia can reach a maximum length of around 9 cm in nature, but will usually reach around 5 cm in an aquarium environment, hence its common name.   Males are a bit bigger than females and have a distinctive red-orange body with blazing blue stripes that extend vertically into the fins.  It has a thickened fold of skin around its mouth, which is more prominent in males.  Males have a pointed dorsal fin while the female’s dorsal fin is generally rounder.  Females don not display the bright colouration of males, instead remaining a silver blue-grey colour.  Colisa lalia has a life expectancy of four years.

Diet: Colisa lalia will take the same diet as Colisa fasciata. They will accept a diet of fish flakes, pellets, frozen foods and vegetable tablets, but should also be given live food such as worms – particularly before you attempt to breed them.

Breeding: This species may require subtle water variations to spark the breeding process.  You can lower the water level slightly and raise the temperature to 28 – 30°C to trigger spawning.  Like Colisa fasciata, the male will guard the fertilised eggs – which he keeps in a bubble nest – until hatching.  Remove the female from the tank as soon as the male begins to guard the eggs in his bubble nest.  You should then remove the male from the tank after the eggs hatch.  The fry can be fed micro-food immediately – infusoria or commercial fry food will do – and may be given hatched brine shrimp and finely ground dry foods after one week of life.

Comments: Colisa lalia is quite a hardy species that is capable of living in several different conditions, as long as the water isn’t too hard.  They do require a well-sheltered, well-planted tank, however.  A 40 cm long tank will allow this species plenty of swimming space.  This fish is quite easy to maintain and is definitely suitable for beginners.

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Recommended Compatible Species: The Dwarf Gourami is very small and should not be housed with large, aggressive species.  It does, however, have an excellent temperament, which makes it a great community species with other fish of a similar size and nature. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-05 20:45:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Trichogaster microlepis (Moonlight Gourami)
Information will be coming soon

Originally posted 2009-11-06 22:50:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Trichopsis pumila, commonly known as the Pygmy Gourami, is a benthopelagic freshwater species found in areas of Thailand and Laos, through to Indonesia.  It is generally found in ditches, peats and small ponds, but particularly in stagnant waters with plenty of floating vegetation.

PH: 6.0 – 7.0

Temperature: 25°C – 28C (77 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Trichopsis pumila, a tiny specimen, can reach a length of 4 cm in an aquarium.   This species has a bright blue eyes and a sparkling red, green and blue colouration.  It has a distinctive arrowhead-shaped body and exceptionally colourful caudal fins.  Males have red spots above the main stripe through their body; females have duller spots than males. 

Diet: The Pygmy Gourami, given its diminutive size, should not be fed large food.  It will have a preference for small live-foods and flake food.

Breeding: The male Pygmy Gourami will build a bubble nest in your aquarium, perhaps in a cave, under driftwood or under a leaf.  To trigger spawning your should raise the water temperature and make sure the water is softer and more acidic.  After spawning, the female will release up to 170 eggs; the male will collect the eggs and protect them until they hatch in two days.  The parents will not cannibalise the fry, but the youngsters are still very small and difficult to raise.

Comments: The Pygmy Gourami should be housed in a tank that is about 40 – 60 cm long.  This hardy species will prefer a heavily vegetated tank that resembles its natural environment.  Do not have a strong current running.  You should provide plenty of rocks and driftwood as hiding places, along with dim lighting and some space at the top of the water so it can gulp the air. This small species is very hardy but does require moderate care, making it more suitable for experienced hobbyists.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Trichopsis pumila should not be housed with large aggressive species.  They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 22:01:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Trichogaster microlepis, commonly known as the Moonlight Gourami, is a freshwater species found originally in the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and in the Chao Phraya basin.  It has since been introduced to Thailand’s Mekong basin.  It is found in sluggish, heavily vegetated waters and in swamps and ponds.

PH: 6.0 – 7.0

Temperature: 26°C – 30C (79 – 86F)

Hardness: 4 – 18 dH

Description: Trichogaster microlepis can reach a length of 13 cm in an aquarium.   This species has a silver, green-hued body and a concave-sloped head, which sets it apart from other Gouramis.  It also has the ability to breathe air directly, and you might see it going up to the top of your tank for air occasionally.  This species has a life expectancy of four years.   

Diet: Trichogaster microlepis, an omnivore, will eat most foods, particularly frozen and live foods.  It will accept flake just as readily.  It is a timid species that doesn’t compete well for food with hungrier tank mates.

Breeding: Put this species in a separate breeding tank with soft water, slightly acidic pH levels and temperature at the higher end of the recommended levels.  Offer the pair plenty of live foods before attempting the process.  The male Moonlight Gourami will build a bubble nest and, after an interesting courtship which is well worth watching, spawning will occur beneath the nest.  The female will release up to 2000 eggs, which will float up to the bubble nest.  The eggs will incubate in the nest for 2 – 3 days before they hatch.  The fry should be fed very fine foods for the first stages of its life, several times a day.  Keep the water temperature at a high level while the youngsters are growing.

Comments: Trichogaster microlepis should be housed in a tank of at least 20 gallons.  It will prefer a heavily vegetated tank; floating plants are a must when spawning is taking place.  You also should avoid employing heavy circulation in your tank.  Be wary of the fact that this species can damage fine-leaved plants.   Regular water changes will keep Trichogaster microlepis fit and healthy. This species requires a moderate level of care and is perhaps not suitable for beginners.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Trichogaster microlepis should not be housed with boisterous, aggressive species.  It is quite timid and should only be kept with small, non-aggressive fish. They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-26 21:52:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Colisa lalia (Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami)
Information will be coming soon

Originally posted 2009-11-06 20:33:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Colisa fasciata, better known as Banded Gourami, is an Asian freshwater species distributed in the Asian countries of India, Nepal, Pakistan,   Bangladesh and upper Myanmar.  It can usually be found in ponds, lakes, large rivers and estuaries; it has an affinity for weedy environments.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72 – 82F)

Hardness: 4 – 15 dH

Description: Colisa fasciata can reach of maximum length of around 12.5 cm.  Male Banded Gouramis have an orange body colour with shiny, blue stripes, a blue-spotted caudal fin and a blue anal fin with red tips; females, in contrast, are less colourful and have a rounded anal fin.  Colisa fasciata has a long, oval-shaped body and is often confused with Colisa labiosa.

Diet: Colisa fasciata will take what they can get in an aquarium environment.  You can give this species a typical diet of fish flakes, pellets and chopped vegetables, while offering it live food in the form of insect larvae and brine shrimp.

Breeding: You should breed a pair of Colisa fasciata in a separate tank and change the water conditions slightly.  Hardness of 2 – 6 dH, a pH of 6.3 – 6.7 and a water temperature of 26°C– 29°C has been proven successful.  Like Colisa chuna, the male creates a bubble nest and guards the fertilised eggs until hatching.  Remove the female from the tank as soon as the male begins to guard the eggs in his nest.  You should then remove the male from the tank after the eggs hatch.

Comments: Colisa fasciata will appreciate a dark substrate and a shallow tank.  You should put plants along the edges of your tank and provide shelter in the form of rocks and roots.  Make sure your tank is at least 20 gallons in volume to allow this species plenty of swimming space.  This fish is quite easy to maintain and, given the only difficulty is in regard to breeding, is suitable for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-05 20:51:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Trichogaster trichopterus, commonly known as the Three-spot,  Blue or Gold Gourami, is a benthopelagic freshwater species found originally in the Mekong basin in Yunnan, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.  It is generally found in marshes, swamps, lowland wetlands, and in shallow, sluggish water with plenty of vegetation.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 22°C – 28C (72 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Trichogaster trichopterus can reach a length of 10 cm in an aquarium.   This species has a silvery-blue colouration that changes depending on its mood, there is also a golden form.  It has, funnily enough, two spots – not three – on its body: one in the centre of its body and the other at the beginning of the tail.  The “third spot”, strangely, is its eye.  Females are slightly larger than males.  Trichogaster trichopterus is able to breathe air directly and may do so at the top of your tank.  This fish has a life expectancy of about four years.

Diet: Trichogaster trichopterus, an omnivore, will eat most foods, but it will require algae-based foods as well as frozen and live foods.  Feed it an algae-based flake food along with bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Breeding: The male Blue Gourami will build a bubble nest and attempt to entice the female by swimming back and forth past her.  When you see this behaviour, you should lower the water level by six inches.   After spawning, the female will release up to 700 – 800 eggs.  It is best you remove the female from the tank after she has deposited the eggs; the male looks after the eggs and fry, but he too should be removed once the try are free swimming.  Feed the fry on infusoria and nauplii straight after hatching.

Comments: Trichogaster trichopterus should be housed in a tank of at least 20 gallons.  This hardy species will prefer a heavily vegetated tank that resembles its natural environment.  Provide plenty of rocks and driftwood as hiding places. This species is quite easy to care for and is therefore suitable for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Trichogaster trichopterus should not be housed with Barbs or other fin-nippers.  As a rule, the Three-spot Gourami should be kept with similarly sized fish of a similar temperament.

Originally posted 2009-11-06 13:48:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Colisa labiosa, better known as Thick-Lipped Gourami, is an Asian freshwater species with its origins in the shady waters of Burma and Indo-China.  This species is distributed mainly in the rivers of South Myanmar.

PH: 6.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72 – 82F)

Hardness: 4 – 10 dH

Description: Colisa labiosa can reach a maximum length of around 9 cm in an aquarium environment.  Thick-Lipped Gouramis have a body colour that varies greatly, but usually consists of a dark orange-brown back and a dark turquoise belly.  It has a thickened fold of skin around its mouth, which is more prominent in males.  Females will develop a lovely golden colouration as the age; males also develop this hue but display a brown colouration on their undersides when they are ready to spawn.  Colisa labiosa has a long, oval-shaped body and is often confused with Colisa fasciata.

Diet: Colisa labiosa will take the same diet as Colisa fasciata. It accepts a typical diet of fish flakes, pellets and chopped vegetables, but you should also offer it live food in the form of insect larvae and brine shrimp.

Breeding: This species has virtually the same breeding requirements as Colisa fasciata. You should breed a pair of Colisa labiosa in a separate, well-planted tank and change the water conditions slightly.  Hardness of 2 – 6 dH, a pH of 6.3 – 6.7 and a water temperature of 26°C– 29°C has been proven successful.  Like Colisa fasciata, the male will guard the fertilised eggs until hatching.  Remove the female from the tank as soon as the male begins to guard the eggs in his nest.  You should then remove the male from the tank after the eggs hatch.  Make sure you use a large tank to accommodate for the huge spawn, which can reach as high as 1500 eggs.

Comments: Colisa fasciata will appreciate a well-sheltered, well-planted tank; provide for their needs by inserting several plants, rocks and roots.  A 100 litre tank will allow this species plenty of swimming space.  This fish is quite easy to maintain and is definitely suitable for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

Originally posted 2010-01-05 20:49:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Trichogaster leeri, commonly known as the Pearl Gourami, is a freshwater species found in Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra and Malaysia; it is mostly distributed in acidic, lowland swamps.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 25°C – 28C (77 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 15 dH

Description: Trichogaster leeri can reach a length of 13 cm in an aquarium.   This stunning species is dotted with white “Pearl-like” shapes, giving it its common name.  It has a horizontal black line that goes across its entire body.  Males develop a red breast and have longer dorsal fins than females.  The breast will become even readier when the male is ready to spawn.  This species has a life expectancy of 3 – 4 years.   

Diet: Trichogaster leeri will eat most foods, particularly frozen and live foods.  It will accept flake just as readily.  Brine shrimp, black worms and glass worms will be good conditioning foods for breeding.

Breeding: The male Pearl Gourami will build a bubble nest and spawning will occur beneath the nest.  The female will release hundreds of eggs, which will float to the surface.  The male will tend the eggs until hatching, but you should remove the female as soon as she has laid the eggs.  It will take about four days until the fry is swimming freely, at which point you should remove the male.  The fry can be immediately fed Infusoria or liquid food.   You can feed the youngsters freshly hatched brine shrimp after two weeks.  To raise the fry properly you should conduct water changes ever two or three days.

Comments: A single Pearl Gourami could be housed in a tank of around 10 gallons.  It will prefer a heavily vegetated tank and subdued lighting, along with floating plants and a dark substrate.  It can be quite timid at times and will appreciate some hiding spaces.  This species is relatively hardy, although it does prefer slightly acidic conditions and a clean tank.  This species is actually quite easy to look after, making it suitable for beginners.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Trichogaster leeri should not be housed with boisterous, aggressive species.  They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, sometimes known as Chocolate Gourami, is a freshwater species found in Sumatra, Borneo and Malaya; it is restricted to peats. 

PH: 4.0 – 6.0

Temperature: 24°C – 27C (75 – 81F)

Hardness: 0 – 4 dH

Description: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides can reach a maximum length of around 7 cm. This species is a short-bodied labyrinth fish with a laterally compressed body.  Its body is oval-shaped; it has a pointed head and a tiny mouth.  Its fins – dorsal and anal – are long; the body has a chocolate brown to red-brown colouration.  It also has white-yellow stripes that extend vertically across its body.

Diet: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides can be given flake food and live food, such as brine shrimp, fruit flies and insect larvae.

Breeding: The Chocolate Gourami is a mouthbrooder, but occasionally makes a bubble nest.  The adult pair will spawn near the bottom of the tank and you should add a small amount of seawater to spark spawning.  The male does the mouthbrooding; the fry will remain in his mouth for 20 – 40 days.   Be very careful with the water conditions: the young fry can often die from infections.

Comments: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides should be kept in a tank of at least 20 – 25 gallons.  Your tank should have plenty of open swimming areas and several hiding places – wood, rocks or plants – and a dark substrate.  Provide a filter that gives only a very light circulation, and make sure the lighting in the tank is dim.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Colisa chuna, known commonly as Honey Gourami, is an Asian freshwater species found mostly in pools, ponds and inundated fields.  It is distributed in the rivers and lakes of India and Bangladesh.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72 – 82F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Colisa chuna fish usually reach a maximum length of around 7 cm.  This species has an honey-yellow base colour with a silver touch that becomes more prominent near the belly.  It has a dark brown band that stretches from its eye to the beginning of the caudal fin; the ventral fin is orange; the anal fin has a reddish colour at its tip.  The only real difference between this species and Colisa lalia is the Honey Gourami is slightly slimmer.

Diet: Colisa chuna are relatively unfussy when it comes to feeding.  You can give this species a typical diet of fish flakes, worms and granules.  You can also feed it insects and crustaceans on special occasions.

Breeding: This species can breed prolifically in a tank environment.  The male creates a nest – combining bubbles with plants – before courting the female.  She will release the eggs inside the next, where the male will fertilise between 300 – 800 eggs.  Make sure you take the female from the tank as soon as the eggs are released, as the male is the sole carer of the eggs until hatching.  Funnily enough, the male will be tempted to eat the young as soon as they have hatched – after caring for them during the egg phase – so remove him as soon as the fry are out in the open.

Comments: Colisa chuna will reside in the top side of your aquarium, so leave some ventilation holes at the top of your tank for it to breathe at the surface.  You should put rooted – and floating – plants in your tank, while providing shelter in the form of rocks and roots.  Your tank should be at least 75 cm long to allow this species plenty of swimming space.  This fish is quite easy to maintain and is suitable for beginners.

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Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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Family: Osphronemidae

Distribution: Betta splendens, or Siamese Fighting Fish, is a well-known species distributed throughout Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, parts of China, and Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong basin.  It is typically found in floodplains, rice paddies and medium to large rivers.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 24°C – 30°C (77 – 86F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Betta splendens grow up to 7 cm in length and have a beautiful, distinctive colouration that separates them from the pack.  Males’ colours range from red to white to blue; females are not as brightly coloured and have shorter fins.

Diet: In nature, this species feeds on insects and insect larvae, due to its upturned mouth that makes feeding on floating insects possible.  In an aquarium environment, you will have no problem feeding it most foods, but live foods are best.  You might offer it some shrimp, plankton, beef heart and tubifex.  You could even provide it with frozen brine and typical flake foods. 

Breeding: The male Betta Splendens will lure the female under his nest of bubbles before squeezing the eggs from her.  He will gather the white eggs and hide them in his bubble nest.  At this point you should remove the female.  It takes 1 – 2 days before the eggs will hatch; you should feed the male during this time as he may be tempted, if hungry, to eat the babies.  It is important you move the male from the tank as soon as the babies start swimming.  There are three good food options for baby Betta Splendens: freshly hatched brine shrimp, microworms, and infusoria.

Comments: This species doesn’t need a big aquarium – but you should house them in no less than a 2.5 gallon tank.  Make sure you have a substrate – gravel will do – and hamster tubs, flower pots and silk plants are all excellent decorative options.  Make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 22°C as this can be hazardous to this species’ health.  It is a good idea to continually change your water to avoid contamination; this species does require quality water conditions.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: For obvious reasons, the Siamese Fighting Fish should not be housed in a one-species tank.  Putting two males of this species together will normally result in a vicious fight.  
On the other hand they will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.

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