A unique species of fish, gouramis lend an air of exotic beauty to any aquarium. These fish, which are indigenous to Southeast Asia’s warm, shallow waters, are distinguished by their vivid colors and unusual habits. They are a well-liked option for both novice and expert aquarists due to their wide variety of species, which range from the diminutive and peaceful Dwarf Gourami to the more formidable Giant Gourami.
Understanding the unique requirements and preferences of gouramis is essential to proper care. These fish do best in tanks that are densely planted, have lots of hiding places, and have light filtration. Replicating the slow-moving streams and rice paddies that make up their natural habitat can help ensure their well-being. Moreover, gouramis possess an unique organ known as the labyrinth organ that enables them to breathe air, increasing their ability to adjust to various water conditions.
The process of gourami reproduction is fascinating. To safeguard their eggs, many species construct bubble nests on the water’s surface—a behavior that demonstrates their distinct reproductive techniques. Gaining knowledge about these biological aspects of gouramis can help you successfully breed them and establish a healthy aquarium habitat. This article will discuss the history of gouramis, how to take care of them, and some advice on how to successfully reproduce.
A journey from the gourami fish’s origins to their breeding habits is necessary to comprehend how to care for them. These vibrant fish, which are native to Southeast Asia, do best in aquariums that are kept up properly and have a diet that is balanced. Aquarium enthusiasts can create an environment that supports the health of these animals and encourages successful reproduction by learning about their natural environment and specific needs.
- Origin
- What they look like
- Types
- Aquarium arrangement
- What to feed
- How long they live
- Compatibility
- Breeding and reproduction by gourah
- Related videos
- Moon gourami. Maintenance, care and reproduction in an aquarium.
- Gourami, maintenance, care, reproduction. Interesting facts about thread-bearing gourami.
- MARBLE GOURAM. MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING.
- GOLDEN GOURAM. MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING.
Origin
Southeast Asia is the fish’s native habitat, and different regions of the continent are home to its different species. Thus, the lunar originates in Cambodia, while the pearl resides on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In the natural world, guri live in lakes, straits, and tiny streams.
These aquarium fish made several attempts to enter Europe from Asia at the close of the 1800s, but their efforts were unsuccessful. All exotic fish were previously transported in barrels of water, where they eventually perished. For years, there were more attempts, but they were all unsuccessful.
As it turned out later, the problem was in the transportation method. The barrels were covered from above with a shield floating on the water, there was no aeration inside, accordingly there were no air bubbles, the fish swam to the surface of the water, but could not swallow it and there because of the lid. So it turned out that all the transported fish simply suffocated after some time. Then the idea came to fill the barrels not to the very top and not to close the lid tightly. Only after this the problem was eliminated, the fish appeared in the countries of Europe and Tsarist Russia. Moreover, they appeared at the same time thanks to V.M. Disnitsky, who brought it from Singapore, and Matte, who delivered the fish from Berlin.
What they look like
Their bodies are similar in how they are characterized. Subspecies can vary in terms of smaller features, size, color, and lifespan.
A gourami resembles a thin, sideways compressed fish. The tactile function of long anterior pelvic fins is performed. The shape of the body is somewhat elongated, but not very so. Many gourami are characterized by their vividly colored bodies; the most exquisite of these feature pearl and honey. All gourami species share similar habitat descriptions, which are rivers and streams with low oxygen saturation. Because they are found in low-oxygen, low-quality water, they have evolved a labyrinth apparatus and suprabranchial organ. They can survive for a very long time without air because of this.
The fish reach a maximum size of 15 cm, with a wide range of sizes. Certain species can grow up to half a meter in size and are farmed for commercial use. In Asia, gourami is even used to prepare specialty dishes.
Types
This fish comes in a wide variety; an aquarium should have at least twelve different kinds.
The commonest type of gourami fish is the marbled variety, which can grow up to 15 cm in length. Four to six years of life. The body is a dark blue color with dark splotches.
The body of the moon (trichogaster microlepis) is silver with an olive tinge. Compared to other species, the pectoral fins of this one are twice as big. Length: 12–14 cm; lifespan: 6 years on average. It is a commercial fish in its home country.
The entire color of Golden (trichogaster trichopterus sumatranus var gold) is golden, with two dark patches on its body. 13 cm long, with a lifespan of seven years.
The trichobasterleeri, also known as the pearl or mother-of-pearl gourami, can grow up to 11 cm in length. Compared to females, males are far smarter. Their name originates from the appearance of bright silver dots scattered across the body. They have a lifespan of roughly seven years, exhibit timid behavior, and favor heavily planted aquariums with swimming sections.
Lunar Golden Pearl with Marbling
Trichophaster trichopterus, also known as the spotted or brown variety, is up to 12 cm long and has a silvery body with a hint of purple. There are two tiny areas on the sides. They have a ten-year lifespan.
Trichobaster trichopterus sumatranus, commonly known as the blue gourami, is distinguished by its unique fin. The aquamarine color that was painted on the body brightens even more when it spawns. There are two black spots and blue stripes on the sides. Length is 8–10 cm, with a 7-year lifespan.
Gray and pink are the ones you kiss. Their habit of swimming slowly in front of one another and then putting their lips together gave rise to their name. When viewed from the side, it resembles a kiss. This is thought to be how they verify social status. They reach a length of 12 to 15 cm. To maintain them, a 200-liter large aquarium is required.
Dwarf or mini gouramis can only reach a maximum size of 4 cm. Although the scales are brown, they can be red, green, or blue. Tiny body glistens in rainbow hues. roughly four years of life.
Saw a Sumastransky cuddling with a dwarf
The gourami aquarium fish is not picky about the conditions it lives in; it can survive in water with a wide range of parameters.
Gurami should only be kept in water that is no colder than 21 °C to prevent illness in the fish. It should ideally be kept between 24 and 28 °C in a common aquarium. They don’t care about other water parameters.
Aquarium arrangement
The type of gourami that will be housed in the aquarium determines its size and dimensions. For two to three people, 20 liters of honey gourami is sufficient, but 40 liters or more is needed for the same quantity of pearl gourami. It is best to have roughly 7 pieces of gourami per 100 liters for almost all varieties (chocolate gourami can have up to 18, but kissing gourami should only have 2).
Any type of plant can be added to an aquarium. They help fish establish their territorial boundaries, which reduces conflict and allows more timid species to take refuge in them. A few details:
- There should be fewer floating plants so that the fish can swim to the surface of the water, and so that light can penetrate well into the aquarium.
- Remember that gourami love to eat them.
Selecting dark soil is recommended, but only for aesthetic reasons—because their colors will contrast—because of this.
What to feed
Food options for gouramis are incredibly varied; they will happily consume both specialized dry mixtures (like dry gammarus) and live food (like frozen bloodworms and daphnia). Because gourami have small mouths, food portions shouldn’t be too big. Remember that a varied diet is important; provide both live and dry food on occasion.
The fish can become obese if they are overfed, so avoid doing that. We advise setting aside a day for fasting and stopping feeding once a week.
How long they live
The kind and maintenance of the gourami in the aquarium directly affects this. The fish have an average life span of 5-7 years, but under ideal circumstances, this can be extended by 2-3 years.
In addition, life expectancy is directly impacted by feeding quality; the higher the quality, the longer your fish will live!
Compatibility
The majority of different small and medium species get along well with guri fish. D. Their neighbors may include carp, haracin, small cichlids, and vigorous fish. In a large aquarium with plenty of shelter, gurames are compatible with a wide variety of other species.
Gourams can grow tired of gold and other types of veil, too. They start pinching them. However, it is best not to keep them together as they can attract big cichlids, swordfish, and barbuses for the abdominal fins.
When there are no pairs, there are incompatibilities between male gourami and various types of gourami.
Gorams are frequently used to start the eradication of hydra or snails (coils or phrases). Enjoy the fish, but not against them.
Breeding and reproduction by gourah
Regretfully, gurors aren’t particularly colorful aquarium fish, so you’ll need to put in some effort to ensure successful breeding. Almost everything is in order, though.
Thus, the chosen male and female are planted apart and given copious amounts of food, mostly bloodworms. You will need a home aquarium with a capacity of 20 liters and a water level of 15 cm for successful spawning. It is preferable to use the older water; small-leaved plants (Richkiya, Rogolitnik) belong on the surface of the aquarium and it is not aerating.
The content of a flock of fish is thought to be ideal for selecting good manufacturers. Males can be identified by their longer, more pointed spinal and anal fins. They select the male and female with the brightest colors; frequently, this is a sign of good health.
Further information regarding the characteristics of a male and female gourami as well as reproduction can be found in another article.
When the male gourami’s foam and plant nest is ready, the female is placed inside. When a female is ready to spawn, her abdomen is rounded, making her easy to identify. The male sets up a mating dance when he sees a female, and his body color visibly intensifies.
A little while later, fry emerge from the eggs. They are fed daphnia and small brine shrimp after first being fed infusoria. On dry food, fries grow more slowly. Adults are removed after ten days because, well, they could hurt or eat the fry.
Aspect | Description |
Origin | Gouramis originate from Southeast Asia, found in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They inhabit slow-moving waters, such as swamps and rivers. |
Appearance | Gouramis are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins. Their body shapes can vary, but many species have a rounded, somewhat flattened body. |
Behavior | These fish are generally peaceful and can live in community tanks. They are also known for their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air. |
Diet | In the wild, gouramis eat a variety of small invertebrates and plant matter. In an aquarium, they thrive on high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods. |
Breeding | Gouramis are bubble-nesters. The male builds a bubble nest on the water"s surface to attract a female. After mating, the female lays eggs in the nest, which the male guards until they hatch. |
Tank Conditions | They prefer a well-planted tank with gentle filtration. Water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), and they appreciate a slightly acidic to neutral pH. |
For anyone who enjoys keeping aquarium fish, knowing how to care for gourami fish is crucial. With their varied ancestries and distinctive behaviors, these fascinating animals provide an insight into the complexity of aquatic life. Every element of their care, from their natural habitats to their complex breeding patterns, adds to the overall success of an aquarium setting.
You can guarantee that your gourami fish stay healthy and lively by creating an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat and adding compatible fish to their tank. You can create a well-balanced and exquisite aquarium setup with regular maintenance and attention to their particular needs.
The experience of keeping gourami fish is enhanced by learning about them, whether you’re interested in their origins or their mating habits. These amazing fish may liven up your aquatic environment and add joy and interest if you give them the proper knowledge and care.