|
|
|
Labyrinth Fish
/ Osphronemidae / Giant Gourami
Common Gourami, Giant Gourami, Gourami, True Gourami
Osphronemus goramy | Pictures
Common Gourami, Giant Gourami, Gourami, True Gourami
[Pictures]
Synonyms: Osphronemus
gourami, O. gourami, O. olfax, O. notatus
Physical description: A large, laterally compressed fish with an oval-shaped body.
Young fish have a pointed head, while
older individuals have a small, blunt head.
The pelvic fins are long and thread-like, and the anal and dorsal fins
are 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 handsome
stripes.
Adults have a dark brown back and brown flanks covered with iridescent silver scales.
The
fins are also brown.
Size/Length: To 28" (71 cm)
Similar species: Young fish resemble the Chocolate Gourami.
Habitat: Originally from Java and Sumatra, although, now imported from throughout Southeast
Asia and Australia where it has been introduced as a food fish.
S: All
Aquarium: A 40" (101 cm), 45-55 gallon (170-209 L) tank is sufficient for small specimen
measuring up to 8" (20 cm) in length.
Be aware that this species does not stop growing at this size and constantly
requires a larger tank.
For instance, a 60" (152 cm) tank with a capacity of 90-110 gallons (342-416 L) will
only house a specimen to 15" (38 cm).
In any case, the tank should be well-planted with a cover of floating
plants.
Provide retreats with large rocks and pieces of wood.
Use a large filtration system, as a
fish of this size produces a great deal of waste.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8 (7.0), 5-25°dH (10), 68-86°F (20-30°C)
Social behavior: While small this species can be combined with most other medium-sized community fish.
It
grows quickly and gradually smaller tank mates may disappear. When the Giant Gourami reaches this stage, it is
best combined with other large, peaceful fish.
Suggested companions: Leporinus,
Anostomus, Botia, Helostoma , Silver Dollars, Knifefish, Loricarids,
Scleropages.
FOOD: Pellets; tablets; oatmeal; vegetables; lettuce, spinach; live; fish, earthworms,
larger crustaceans; aquatic insects; flakes.
Sexual differences: The dorsal and anal fins of the male are pointed.
Breeding techniques: Fairly easy in a large, well-planted tank.
Fish are sexually mature at 6 months.
A large
nest is built near the surface, out of grasses, plants, and roots.
The large eggs are laid near the nest
and are maneuvered there by the male.
The male cares for the eggs and may chase off the female.
The
eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry are free-swimming after 3-5 days.
The male continues to guard them for
14-21 days, until the young are able to fend for themselves.
Start feeding with newly hatched
Artemia
nauplii and powdered flake foods.
Breeding potential: 7.
This prolific species is easily bred, the only catch being that a large tank is needed.
Remarks: A major food fish, that was introduced throughout Southeast Asia and Australia to stock
ponds and lakes. A golden color variant exists.
These fish can live a long time- one individual was reportedly 20 years
old.
Difficulty of care: 6.
This robust species is easily cared for in a large tank.
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.
|
|
|
