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LABYRINTH FISH
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Banded Gourami - Colisa fasciata
Banded Gourami [Pictures]
Colisa fasciata
Synonyms: Colisa
bejeus, C. ponticeriana, C. vulgaris, Polyacanthus fasciatus, Trichogaster fasciatus, Trichopodus bejeus, T. colisa,
T. cotra
Physical description:
C. fasciata has an elongated, oval-shaped, laterally compressed
body.
The caudal fin is fan-shaped and the ventral fins are long and slender-almost thread-like.
The
back is olive to bright orange, while the belly is dull turquoise-orange.
The flanks are orange, marked with several
slender, transverse, turquoise stripes.
The ventral fins are orange to red, while the anal fin is is bluish
with a red edging.
The caudal fin is orange, and the dorsal fin is both turquoise and orange.
The
iris of the eye may be orange.
Females are less colorful, with a white-silver belly region.
Size/Length: To 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: This species closely resembles
C. labiosa, and is somewhat similar to
the stocky-bodied C. lalia
.
Habitat: India; Bengal; Myanmar (Burma); possibly Thailand
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 10-20 gallons (38-75 L) is sufficient.
Use
a dark substrate and place plants along the edges of the tank.
Leave an open swimming area.
Like most Gouramis,
C. fasciata
prefers shallow tanks.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (7.0), 4-15°dH (8), 70-82°F (21-28°C)
Social behavior: A species suitable for a community tank except at spawning times when fish become territorial.
This
fish may be timid during acclimation.
Suggested companions: Other Colisa
species, Corydoras
, barbs, Loaches, Trichogaster,
Angelfish, Loricarids.
FOOD: Flakes; pellets; chopped vegetables; live;
Tubifex, insect larvae, brine shrimp
Sexual differences: Males have a darker body color and have more pointed dorsal fins.
Breeding techniques: Use a separate breeding tank for the pair having a temperature from 79-84°F (26-29°C),
a pH from 6.3-6.7, and a water hardness from 2-6°dH.
The tank should be shallow and not have any water
current.
The male constructs a bubble nest, that can measure up to 5" (13 cm) in diameter.
Spawning
behavior is similar to that of other Labyrinth fish, with the male embracing the female, which is followed by intense
shaking.
The eggs, numbering from 500-1000, float to the surface and are corralled by the male in
the bubble nest.
The female should be removed following the spawning as the male aggressively guards the
nest.
Remove the male after the eggs hatch about 24 hours later.
The fry resemble small hairs near the
surface of the water.
Begin feeding with roftiers and infusoria.
After a week or two, the young can be
fed with powdered dry foods and brine shrimp nauplii.
Breeding potential: 6.
Breeding requires a separate tank, but is not especially difficult.
Remarks: This species can be crossed with
C. labiosa.
Difficulty of care: 2.
This hardy species is recommended for the beginning aquariast.
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