Blue Gourami Fish Species Profile

Origin and Distribution

This species is native to Southeast Asia, discovered within the Mekong River basin in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan. Launched populations exist in Sulawesi, the Philippines, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and on islands like Reunion, Seychelles, Namibia, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Blue gouramis inhabit shallow lowland marshes, swamps, peatlands, streams, and flood forests.

Colours and Markings

The blue gourami, usually whitish-blue, is a pure coloration variation of the brown or lavender gourami. It options two distinct spots one on the heart of its physique and one other on the tail’s base. If these spots fade, your fish could also be experiencing stress on account of overcrowding or poor water high quality.

The species has a protracted, flattened physique with giant, rounded fins in addition to a labyrinth organ that permit them to breathe air immediately. Grownup males attain as much as 5 inches in size and females are barely bigger. The scientific title trichopterus is derived from the Greek phrases trichiasis (furry) and pteron (wing), referring to their lengthy, hair-like pelvic fins by which touch-sensitive cells are situated.

Tankmates

Blue gouramis are territorial and might conflict with sure species. Keep away from dwarf gouramis, guppies, goldfish, angelfish, and bettas. Higher choices embody tetras, loaches, danios, mollies, platies, barbs, and scavenger catfish. Choose species of the same measurement to the blue gouramis to keep away from aggressive behaviors. 

Blue Gourami Habitat and Care

Blue gouramis are among the many hardiest of their household, preferring densely vegetated waters corresponding to ditches, canals, ponds, swamps, rivers, and lakes.

Blue gouramis tolerate extensive temperature ranges and are not demanding relating to water circumstances however favor comfortable, barely acidic water when breeding.

Younger blue gouramis require 15 to 20-gallon tanks, whereas adults want 35 gallons. Though they’ve a labyrinth organ for air-breathing, keep good filtration and take into account including air stones for higher oxygenation. A darker substrate contrasts fantastically with their colours.

Blue Gourami Food regimen and Feeding

Blue gouramis are straightforward to feed, accepting just about any meals, together with flake, freeze-dried, or reside choices. They voraciously devour hydra, aiding considerably in pest elimination in house aquariums.

Gender Variations 

Sexes are primarily differentiated by the form of the dorsal fin, which is lengthy and pointed in males in comparison with the females’ shorter rounded dorsal fin. Females which are ready for spawning will present a pronounced swelling, whereas the male may have a much more slender girth. Each sexes show a a lot deeper blue coloration throughout breeding durations.

Males might be aggressive throughout spawning, so make sure the aquarium affords loads of hideaways for females to forestall damage.

Breeding the Blue Gourami

The spawning course of begins with the male developing a bubble nest, usually within the morning. As soon as prepared, the male entices the feminine underneath the nest by swimming, flaring fins, and elevating his tail. The feminine signifies readiness by biting his again; the male responds by brushing towards her stomach earlier than the spawning embrace.

Throughout spawning, the male wraps tightly across the feminine, turning her on her facet or again so eggs can rise to the floor. This embrace maximizes reproductive proximity and timing since sperm cells survive solely minutes in water.

Earlier than sperm launch, the pair typically quivers an indication that spawning is nearing completion. Eggs are launched and fertilized by the point they attain the bubble nest. This can be repeated a number of occasions over a number of hours, with hundreds of eggs produced.

After spawning, take away the feminine to forestall male aggression. The male attends to the eggs till they hatch, rearranging them and returning any strays. Typically noticed throughout breeding, the male might spit water streams to maintain eggs inside the bubble nest.

The eggs hatch in roughly 30 hours. Feed the fry infusoria and nauplii. Carry out frequent water adjustments because the fry develop, particularly in the course of the third week which is when the labyrinth organ develops.

Extra Pet Fish Species and Additional Analysis

If blue gouramis attraction to you, and you have an interest in some appropriate fish to your aquarium, learn up on:

• Dwarf cichlid Species Profile
• Cardinal tetras Species Profile
• Neon tetras Species Profile

Try further fish species profiles for info on different freshwater fish.