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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