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Labyrinth Fish
/ Belontiidae / Thick-lipped Gourami
Thick-lipped Gourami
Colisa labiosa | Pictures
Synonyms: Trichogaster
labiosus
Physical description: This species has an elongated, ovule-shaped body with lateral compression.
The
caudal fin is fan-shaped and the ventral fins are long and slender-almost thread-like.
The body color varies, but the back
is usually dark orange-brown, while the belly is dark turquoise.
The flanks are orange-brown with alternating
transverse, turquoise stripes.
The ventral fins are orange to red, while the anal fin is is bluish with a white to orange
edging.
The caudal fin is dull orange, and the dorsal fin is also dull 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: Colisa
fasciata
Habitat: India; Southeast Asia; Myanmar (Burma)
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 10-20 gallons (38-75 L) is sufficient.
Follow
suggestions for C. fasciata
.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 4-12°dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°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, Trichogaster
, Loaches, Loricarids
FOOD: Flakes; pellets; chopped vegetables; live;
Tubifex, insect larvae, Brine Shrimp
Sexual differences: Males are more colorful and have more pointed dorsal fins.
Breeding techniques: As for C.
fasciata, although
C. labiosa constructs an even larger bubble
nest.
Breeding potential: 5.
This fish is easily bred with mature fish in a tank of their own.
Remarks: A gold strain exists.
Difficulty of care: 2.
C. labiosa
is a hardy species recommended for beginning aquariasts.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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