Terrorbyte
Fish Fanatic
Common Name/s: Opaline Gourami or Three-spot Gourami
Scientific Name: Trichogaster trichopterus
Family: Belontiidae
Origin: Malaysia, South China Sea
Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches
Care: The Opaline Gourami is compatible with a variety of tank mates that are of similar size and temperament. While males can be territorial (and this can't be stressed enough from my experiences with this fish) with each other and other tank mates, they become timid around other, more aggressive fish. The ideal tank set-up would be a minimum of 20 gallons and have plenty of live plants as well as rocks and driftwood for use as hiding places. Ideal water temperature is 72-82 degrees F; pH 6.0-8.0; KH 4-18.
Feeding: The Opaline Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.
Sexing and Breeding: The best way to differentiate between the male and female Opaline Gourami is by the dorsal fin. In the male, the dorsal fin is long and pointed, while the female's is shorter and rounded. When ready to breed, the male builds a bubblenest and begins to entice the female by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. When this behavior is noticed, the water level should be reduced to 6 inches. After spawning, the female should be removed to a separate tank as the male may become aggressive toward her. The male will tend to the eggs until they hatch. After hatching, there should be frequent water changes, especially during the third week, as this is when the labyrinth organ is developing. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii.
Additional Comments: Male Opaline gouramis can definitely be quite aggressive and may brutalize and nip the fins of slower-moving fish, such as Angelfish. It's best to keep them in tanks with other active fish that can out-swim the male in a chase. If your male opaline gourami becomes too much of an aggressor, add floating plants -- if your tank can handle more fish, the adding of 2 or 3 female opalines can keep the male away from other tank mates.
Photo (male opaline):
Scientific Name: Trichogaster trichopterus
Family: Belontiidae
Origin: Malaysia, South China Sea
Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches
Care: The Opaline Gourami is compatible with a variety of tank mates that are of similar size and temperament. While males can be territorial (and this can't be stressed enough from my experiences with this fish) with each other and other tank mates, they become timid around other, more aggressive fish. The ideal tank set-up would be a minimum of 20 gallons and have plenty of live plants as well as rocks and driftwood for use as hiding places. Ideal water temperature is 72-82 degrees F; pH 6.0-8.0; KH 4-18.
Feeding: The Opaline Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.
Sexing and Breeding: The best way to differentiate between the male and female Opaline Gourami is by the dorsal fin. In the male, the dorsal fin is long and pointed, while the female's is shorter and rounded. When ready to breed, the male builds a bubblenest and begins to entice the female by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. When this behavior is noticed, the water level should be reduced to 6 inches. After spawning, the female should be removed to a separate tank as the male may become aggressive toward her. The male will tend to the eggs until they hatch. After hatching, there should be frequent water changes, especially during the third week, as this is when the labyrinth organ is developing. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii.
Additional Comments: Male Opaline gouramis can definitely be quite aggressive and may brutalize and nip the fins of slower-moving fish, such as Angelfish. It's best to keep them in tanks with other active fish that can out-swim the male in a chase. If your male opaline gourami becomes too much of an aggressor, add floating plants -- if your tank can handle more fish, the adding of 2 or 3 female opalines can keep the male away from other tank mates.
Photo (male opaline):
