Trichogaster trichopterus

Alternative names

 * , Opaline Gourami,, , ,

Synonyms



 * - the Blue form of this Gourami has been given this sub-species name.

Sexing

 * Male Opaline Gouramis have a much more pointed dorsal fin then females. They are more brightly coloured as well.  Females have a plumper abdomen at maturity.

Tank compatibility

 * Opaline Gouramis can be placed with almost any tropical community fish provided they are robust and not fin-nippers. Don't place them with aggressive fish such as Cichlids.  They are best kept singly or in trios of male and two females, two males may be aggressive towards one another. Opaline Gouramis are known for being one of the more aggressive Gouramis and are best not mixed with other species of Gourami.

Diet

 * Will take most foods including pellet and flake, bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. They will also eat Hydra.

Feeding regime

 * Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

 * Prefer a spacious mature tank with plenty of open swimming room and tall plants to hide in. Will not appreciate a very strong current.

Behaviour

 * Can be aggressive to smaller fish, and do not keep more than one male in a tank. They swim mostly at the top or middle area of the tank. Be sure that they have access to the surface of the water, as they're anabantoids and will spend most time in the middle and top levels of the tank.

Identification

 * The colouration on this fish can vary if they are wild caught or bred in captivity, and can even vary depending on the fish's mood! Usually the body is pale or brown in colour with yellow hues, occasionally instead of yellow, they are more blue in colour. They have exceptionally long ventrals, or feelers, as with most Gouramis, these are usually also yellow in colour. There should be faint darker bands visible through this Gourami's flanks, and the dorsal, anal and caudal fins should have some yellow/silver spots. A black spot should be evident in the middle of its body and at the base of its caudal fin.