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
