Description
Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)
Overview
Trichopodus trichopterus, commonly known as the blue gourami or three-spot gourami, is a popular freshwater fish from the Osphronemidae family, native to slow-moving rivers, swamps, and rice paddies of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Named for its vibrant blue colouration with darker spots (two on the body, one at the eye), it exhibits colour morphs like opaline, gold, and platinum. Males grow to about 10–12.5 cm, while females are slightly smaller and less vivid. Known for their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air, blue gouramis are hardy, peaceful, and ideal for community tanks, though males can be territorial.
Care Requirements
Tank Size:
Minimum 75L for a pair; 113–208L for community setups or trios (1 male, 2 females) to reduce aggression.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 23–28°C; optimal 25–27° for breeding.
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: 5–18 dGH (soft to moderately hard, TDS <200 ppm).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: <40 ppm (ideally <20 ppm).
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; add leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves) for natural aesthetics and water conditioning.
- Décor: Dense plants (e.g., Java fern, Amazon sword, Vallisneria) and floating plants (e.g., water sprite, frogbit) for cover and bubble nest sites. Include driftwood, caves, or rocks for hiding. Ensure surface access for air breathing.
- Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with sponge or canister filters; avoid strong currents that disrupt bubble nests.
- Lighting: Low to moderate; floating plants diffuse light to reduce stress.
- Other: Secure lid recommended, as they may jump, especially when stressed.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20–25% weekly with dechlorinated water to maintain stable parameters and low nitrates.
- Tank Cleaning: Siphon uneaten food and debris; lightly vacuum substrate to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Testing: Weekly checks for pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate using a reliable test kit.
- Equipment Check: Ensure filters provide gentle flow, heaters maintain stable temperatures, and surface is accessible for air breathing.
Diet
- Type: Omnivorous with a preference for protein-rich foods; feeds on insects, larvae, and plant matter in the wild.
- Foods:
- Live/Frozen: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms (use sparingly due to disease risk).
- Dry: High-quality flakes or pellets (e.g., Hikari Tropical Pellets, Fluval Bug Bites).
- Occasional: Blanched vegetables (e.g., peas, lettuce) or spirulina flakes for variety.
- Feeding: Small portions 2–3 times daily, consumed within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding.
- Notes: A varied diet enhances colouration and health. They feed at the surface and mid-water; ensure food is appropriately sized.
Behaviour and Compatibility
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial, especially males during breeding or in cramped conditions. Females are less aggressive.
- Social Behaviour: Best kept as a pair (1 male, 1 female) or trio (1 male, 2 females) in larger tanks. Multiple males may fight in tanks <55 gallons unless ample hiding spots are provided.
- Compatible Tankmates:
- Small to medium peaceful fish: Neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches.
- Bottom-dwellers: Otocinclus, bristlenose plecos.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
- Incompatible: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (e.g., tiger barbs, serpae tetras), large cichlids, or species requiring fast-moving water. Avoid other gourami species (e.g., dwarf gourami) to prevent territorial disputes or hybridization.
- Notes: Provide dense vegetation and hiding spots to reduce aggression. Monitor male interactions in community tanks.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Type: Bubble nest builders; males construct floating nests using saliva bubbles among plants or debris
