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.
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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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