OSPHRONEMIDAE FAMILY
The Osphronemidae Family consists of the genus
Osphronemus
and inhabits Southeast Asiaand Australia.
Common Gourami, Giant Gourami, Gourami, True Gourami
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Osphronemus goramy
SYN
:
Osphronemusgourami, O. gourami, O. olfax, O. notatus
PD
: A large, laterally compressed fish with an oval-shaped body. Young fish have a pointed head, whileolder individuals have a small, blunt head.The pelvic fins are long and thread-like, and the anal and dorsal finsare located on the rear part of the body.Young fish are reddish brown to dull orange with a number of brown,transverse bands.The fins are orange.As the fish gets older, it becomes less attractive and loses its handsomestripes.Adults have a dark brown back and brown flanks covered with iridescent silver scales. Thefins are also brown.
SIZE
: To 28" (71 cm)
SS
: Young fish resemble the Chocolate Gourami.
HAB
: Originally from Java and Sumatra, although, now imported from throughout SoutheastAsia and Australia where it has been introduced as a food fish.
S
: All
TANK
: A 40" (101 cm), 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank is sufficient for small specimenmeasuring up to 8" (20 cm) in length.Be aware that this species does not stop growing at this size and constantlyrequires a larger tank.For instance, a 60" (152 cm) tank with a capacity of 90-110 gallons (342-416 L) willonly house a specimen to 15" (38 cm).In any case, the tank should be well-planted with a cover of floatingplants.Provide retreats with large rocks and pieces of wood. Use a large filtration system, as afish of this size produces a great deal of waste.
WATER
: pH 6-8 (7.0), 5-25°dH (10), 68-86°F (20-30°C)
SB
: While small this species can be combined with most other medium-sized community fish. Itgrows quickly and gradually smaller tank mates may disappear. When the Giant Gourami reaches this stage, it isbest combined with other large, peaceful fish.
SC
:
Leporinus,Anostomus, Botia, Helostoma
, Silver Dollars, Knifefish, Loricarids,
Scleropages.
FOOD
: Pellets; tablets; oatmeal; vegetables; lettuce, spinach; live; fish, earthworms,larger crustaceans; aquatic insects; flakes.
SEX
: The dorsal and anal fins of the male are pointed.
B
: Fairly easy in a large, well-planted tank. Fish are sexually mature at 6 months. A largenest is built near the surface, out of grasses, plants, and roots. The large eggs are laid near the nestand are maneuvered there by the male.The male cares for the eggs and may chase off the female. Theeggs hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry are free-swimming after 3-5 days. The male continues to guard them for14-21 days, until the young are able to fend for themselves. Start feeding with newly hatched
Artemia
nauplii and powdered flake foods.
BP
: 7.This prolific species is easily bred, the only catch being that a large tank is needed.
R
: A major food fish, that was introduced throughout Southeast Asia and Australia to stockponds and lakes. A golden color variant exists.These fish can live a long time- one individual was reportedly 20 yearsold.
DC
: 6.This robust species is easily cared for in a large tank.
Shark-repelling fishing gear in the works
(4/23/2008) Fishing gear that produces an electric field in sea water could help prevent sharks from becoming accidental bycatch, say scientists at NOAA.
Feds flood the Grand Canyon to save endangered fish
(3/5/2008) Federal government officials unleashed a flood of water from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona to help restore the Grand Canyon's ecosystem which has suffered as a result of changes caused by the dam.
The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me.
