Gourami – Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami – 4cm

Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami – A Stunning and Hardy Freshwater Fish

The Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a striking freshwater fish with a unique rounded body shape and iridescent blue opaline coloration. Originating from Southeast Asia, this species is admired for its vibrant hues and peaceful nature, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. The Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami thrives in well-maintained community aquariums, adding elegance with its graceful swimming patterns.

Size and Lifespan

The Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami grows to a maximum size of 10–12 cm. With proper care, they typically live between 4 to 6 years. Maintaining high water quality, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment can significantly enhance their lifespan.

Ideal Tank Setup

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended for the Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with ample swimming space and hiding spots created by driftwood, caves, or tall plants. A moderate water flow and stable water parameters are essential, with ideal conditions as follows:

• pH Level: 6.0–7.5
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard A dark substrate enhances their shimmering blue opaline colour, making them stand out even more in the aquarium.

Compatible Tank Mates

The Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami is a generally peaceful fish but can become territorial, especially towards other gouramis. They do well with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates, such as:

• Tetras (e.g., Neon, Cardinal, Rummy-nose)
• Rasboras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Loaches
• Mollies and Platies Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species, such as Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids, to prevent stress and aggression.

Feeding and Nutrition

As an omnivore, the Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami requires a varied diet to stay healthy. A combination of high-quality flakes or pellets, along with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp, is ideal. Supplementing their diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach and zucchini can provide additional nutrients. Feed them 2–3 times daily, ensuring they consume their food within a few minutes to maintain water quality.

Breeding and Behavior

Breeding the Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami can be a rewarding experience. They are bubble nest builders, with the male constructing a nest at the water’s surface to protect the eggs. To encourage breeding, increase the water temperature slightly (around 27–28°C) and provide plenty of floating plants. Males display fascinating courtship behavior, and once the eggs are laid, they should be separated from the female to prevent aggression. Fry should be fed infusoria or finely crushed fry food until they grow larger.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
• Common Name: Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Diet: Omnivore
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Maximum Size: 10–12 cm
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres

FAQs

1. How large do Balloon Blue Opaline Gouramis grow?
They typically reach 10–12 cm in length when fully grown.

2. Are Balloon Blue Opaline Gouramis aggressive?
They are generally peaceful but may show territorial behavior, especially towards other gouramis.

3. Can they be kept in a community tank?
Yes, they thrive in community tanks with peaceful fish of similar size.

4. What do they eat?
They eat high-quality flakes, pellets, live/frozen foods, and occasional vegetables.

5. How do I breed Balloon Blue Opaline Gouramis?
Provide warm water (27–28°C), floating plants, and separate the female after spawning to ensure fry survival.

Add a Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami to Your Aquarium Today!

The Balloon Blue Opaline Gourami is a captivating addition to any freshwater tank. With their dazzling colors, hardy nature, and fascinating behavior, they are perfect for both novice and seasoned aquarists. Order yours today and enjoy their beauty in your home aquarium!