Gourami – Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) 5cm

The Blue Gourami originates in Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam. They prefer acidic water found in lowland swamps near the sea.

The Blue Gourami is a very attractive color-morph of the Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (previously Trichogaster trichopterus). It is one of the more vibrant coloured varieties. It has a pretty gold tone and a deeper toned striped patterning along the back, but it lacks the two dark spots seen on its parentage. This pretty fish makes an attractive addition to the aquarium. In nature the Three Spot Gouramis occur in lowland wetlands. They are found in marshes, swamps to peatlands, as well as flowing streams and canals. They inhabit shallow waters that are sluggish or standing still, but with a lot of aquatic vegetation. They are omnivorous in nature and feed on crustaceans, insect larvae, and zooplankton.

These are certainly some of the hardiest fish available to the aquarist, and make excellent first fish for people entering the hobby. They are long lived fish with each having a remarkably individual personality. They will use their pelvic fins to feel their environment and even feel their tank mates. They also seem to be quite aware of their owners.

This gourami is considered a good community fish when small, but that can change as they mature. Some will remain peaceful while others can become belligerent, sometimes attacking smaller fish. Among themselves the males are territorial and will squabble. The best tankmates are other fish that are of similar size and temperament.

They can get quite large, up to 15 cm in length, though most are a bit smaller than that in the aquarium (12cm). Juveniles will soon outgrow a small aquarium and then will need to be provided with more space. When young they can easily be housed in a 60 -80 Litre aquarium, but adults will do better with at least 150 Litres. The tank should be decorated in a way which allows both the dominant and quieter personality type fish to live happily. Provide some densely planted areas to create a few hiding places and they will also appreciate the cover of floating plants for some shadowy areas.

The Blue Gouramis are omnivourous and will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a quality flake or pellet food as the base to the diet. Supplementation should include blood worms, brine shrimp, or any other suitable substitute. Fresh vegetables can be offered as well, blanched lettuce being a good option for many aquarists. Generally feed once or twice a day.

• Species – Trichopodus trichopterus
• Common Name – Blue Gourami
• Origin – Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo and Thailand
• Diet – Omnivorous
• PH Range – 6.5 – 7
• Temperature – Tropical and Coldwater 25°c – 26°c
• Breed Type – Bubble nest builder
• Current Size – approximately 5cm (Grows to approximately 12cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed