Three spot gourami

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iThree spot gourami

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Osphronemidae
Genus:	Trichogaster
Species:	T. trichopterus

Binomial name

Trichogaster trichopterus
(Pallas, 1770)

The three spot gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) is a labyrinth fish (anabantoid) originating in southeast Asia. It is a popular freshwater aquarium fish with several colour variations, including the blue gourami, opaline gourami, and gold gourami.

1 Tank Specification
2 Diet
3 Breeding
4 References

[edit] Tank Specification

The Three spot gourami can be housed with a variety of tank mates that are of similar size and temperament. While males can be territorial with each other, they become timid around other, more aggressive fish. The ideal tank set-up would be an aquarium of a minimum of 20 gallons and have plenty of live plants as well as rocks and driftwood for use as hiding places.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Diet

The Three spot gourami is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition. The average weight of a blue gourami is 2-3.5 ounces.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Breeding

A "golden" cultivar, often sold as simply "golden gourami"

The best way to differentiate between the male and female Three spot gourami is by the dorsal fin. In the male, the dorsal fin is long and pointed, while the female's is shorter and rounded. When ready to breed, the male builds a bubblenest and then begins to entice the female by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. When this behavior is noticed, the water level should be reduced to 6 inches. After spawning the female should be removed to a separate aquarium as the male may become aggressive toward her. The male will tend to the eggs until they hatch, and after hatching, there should be frequent water changes, especially during the third week, as this is when the labyrinth organ is developing. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii.^{[citation needed]}