Blue Gourami
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A big, hardy, colorful fish that is a stellar community member. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
This is a peaceful, robust bubblenester that fits nicely in a peaceful community of larger species.
It is usually silvery blue in color, and several color varieties are available, including the Opaline and Gold gouramis. (Opaline Gouramis are sometimes called "Cosby" or "Marbled" Gouramis.)
The wild Three-spot form is usually a silvery fish, while the more popular Blue Gourami has been developed from specimens collected in Sumatra.
Family: Osphronemidae
Other common name(s):
- Three-Spot Gourami
- Opaline Gourami
- Gold Gourami
- Yellow Gourami
- Cosby Gourami
- Marbled Gourami
Native range:
Habitat: Prefers a densely planted aquarium with a cover of floating plants, as well as hiding places in the form of rocks and driftwood. Provide a dark substrate to best show off their colors.
Maximum length: 15 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 150 L (40 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
Omnivore. The Blue Gourami will accept just about any aquarium fare, including good-quality flakes and freeze-dried foods, frozen foods, such as Daphnia and brine shrimp, as well as live foods, including bloodworms and tubificid worms. Supplement with some type of vegetable-based food. Prized for their appetite for the aquarium pest, Hydra.
Aquarium Compatibility
Should be housed with fishes of similar size and temperament. Best kept in a group of one male to two females—only one male per tank, as they may fight.
Breeding/Propagation
Male builds a bubblenest early in the day.
See:
Notes
If kept with aggressive or fin-nipping species, such as barbs, will spend most of the time hiding in the corners of the aquarium.