Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa)
| Thicklip Gourami Trichogaster labiosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Thicklip Gourami |
| Name Lat. | Trichogaster labiosa |
| Synonym | Colisa labiosa |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | India, Myanmar |
| Habitat | Ponds, floodplains |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest builder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 3-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 9 cm |
| Temperature | 22-27 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.5" |
| Temperature | 72-81 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the thick-lipped gourami is Myanmar as well as the Chindwin river system in the northeast of India. There they live in waters with dense vegetation, such as ponds, ditches, ponds and lakes as well as rice fields and floodplains.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting with many hiding places (stones, roots). A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and subdued light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure 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
In nature they feed mainly on insects and insect larvae. 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 some 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 or harems 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 they defend their territory
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be kept together.
Sex dimorphism
Males are more colorful and have pointed dorsal fins.
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 24-36 hours and swim freely after only 2-3 days.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey
Important
They have an additional respiratory organ called the labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible
The thread-like elongated ventral fins serve for orientation and chemical perception (taste stimuli).
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked 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