Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)

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Moonlight Gourami

Moonlight gourami.jpg
Moonlight Gourami

Trichogaster microlepis

132 Litres (35 US G.)

12.7-15.2cm (5-6 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.2

20 -28 °C (68-82.4°F)

2-25 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

4-5 years

Family

Osphronemidae



Additional names

Moonbeam Gourami, Moonlight Gourami

Additional scientific names

Deschauenseeia chryseus, Osphromenus microlepis, Trichopodus microlepis, Trichopus parvipinnis


Origin

Occurs in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand


Sexing

Males have dorsal fins that are slightly more pointed and slightly orangeish-reddish pelvic fins.

Breeding

Water with a neutral pH, with the temperature being in the low 80's is ideal. The male will build a bubble nest, often with vegitation, and court a female under it. When this happens, the male will wrap himself around the female, causing her to release her eggs. Up to 2000 eggs can be produced per spawn. When eggs hatch, feed the young live baby brine shrimp, or daphnia.


Tank compatibility

Do not house with aggressive fish, the Gourami will not feed properly and may starve. Do not house with fin nippers such as Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetras. Keep with peaceful fish such as Corydoras. Do not keep two male Gouramis in a tank as they will fight.


Diet

Omnivore. Will readily accept flakes, frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill, as well as live foods. Be sure to feed a varied diet.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Keep in a spacious and mature tank. Will not appreciate very fast flowing water. Would be happy in a planted tank.


Behaviour

Males can be territorial towards other Gourami or similar tempered fish such as Angelfish. Otherwise a generally peaceful fish. Is known to be shy in the presence of big, rough, and/or fast-moving fish


Identification

Blue-silver is present across the fish body. Younger fish have a black spot on the tail. The head of this gourami is depressed right before the snout.

Special Notes

Like other anabantoids, the moonlight gourami has a special "labyrinth organ" that allows it to take oxygen directly from the air. If a moonlight ourami, or any other anabantid fish (betas, gouramis, and paradise fish) is taking most of its air from the surface, it may mean that the water is oxygen poor. Due to its ability to breathe air, anabantids, if kept moist, can survive for a while without water.

Pictures

External links