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Labyrinth Fish
/ Belontiidae / Moonlight Gourami
Moonlight Gourami, Moonbeam Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis | Pictures
Synonyms: Osphromenus
microlepis, Trichopodus microlepis, Trichopsis microlepis, Trichopus microlepis
Physical description: A moderately elongated, laterally compressed fish.
The long, filamentous ventral fins are
characteristic to this species, as these are far longer than any other Gouramis.
The back is olive-white with a green
iridescence, and the flanks are white, marked with a silver iridescence.
The fins are green-gray in color, while
the ventral fins are yellow to red.
The iris of healthy adult specimen is red.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm)
Similar species: None, except for juvenile
H. temminckii
Habitat: Inhabits shallow, still and slow-moving ponds and lakes having much vegetation in
Southeast Asia; Thailand and Cambodia
S: All
Aquarium: A tank measuring 28" (71 cm) with a capacity of 20-25 gallons (76-95 L) is sufficient
for non-adult specimen.
Adult specimen require a tank measuring at least 32" (81 cm).
Follow recommendations for T. leeri.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (6.8), 2-25 dH (7), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
Social behavior: A peaceful community fish that can be skittish, especially if no proper hiding places
are provided
Suggested companions: Trichogaster,
Colisa, Botia,
Corydoras, Barbs, Angelfish, Loricarids.
FOOD: Live; Tubifex
, insects, insect larvae, crustaceans; flakes; pellets; chopped spinach and lettuce
Sexual differences: The pelvic fins of the male are orange to red, while those of the female are yellow.
Breeding techniques: As for T.
leeri. The fry are very sensitive to changing water conditions
and often thereafter.
Good filtration is necessary. It is recommended not to change water until the fry are over
1/2" (13 mm)
Breeding potential: 8.
Breeding is difficult.
Remarks: This species is consumed in Southeast Asia.
Difficulty of care: 4.
This species is more sensitive than
T. leeri, although it is suitable for a
community 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.
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