Snakeskin Gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis)
| Snakeskin Gourami Trichopodus pectoralis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Snakeskin Gourami |
| Name Lat. | Trichopodus pectoralis |
| Synonym | Trichogaster pectoralis |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Ponds, floodplains |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest builder |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 350 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 8" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 90 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the shovelnose threadfish is the Mekong river system in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam as well as the Chao Phraya basin in Thailand. There they live in waters with dense vegetation, such as ponds, drainage canals and rice fields, as well as in floodplains.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting with many hiding places (stones, roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) and slightly dim light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They require mainly animal food, supplemented with algae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as algae leaves, algae wafers or dry food with high vegetable content.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
These peaceful fish should be kept in pairs and do well in a community tank with fish that are not too lively or peaceful. They should not be kept together with fin-clipping fish, such as Sumatran barbs or blood tetras. During the spawning season, males occasionally behave territorially among themselves
As a general rule, only mutually compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male has a pointed, extended dorsal fin and the ventral fin filaments are orange; in the female they are yellow.
Reproduction and breeding
The male builds a loose foam nest, often on the underside of large water plant leaves, and also takes care of the brood. The eggs ejected during the numerous matings (entwinements) rise to the water surface, are collected by the male and introduced into the nest. The larvae hatch after about 24 hours and swim freely after only 1-2 days.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey here.
Important
They have an additional respiratory organ, the so-called labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible. The air temperature in the breathing area must not be below the water temperature!
The thread-like extended ventral fins serve for orientation and chemical perception (taste stimuli)
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH-value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF