Pearl gourami

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Pearl Gourami

Scientific classification

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

Binomial name

Trichogaster leeri
(Bleeker, 1852)

The Pearl Gourami (Trichogaster leeri) is a tropical labyrinth fish often bred and kept for aquaria. It is a graceful gourami which moves slowly and unhurriedly across the aquarium, often preferring the top and middle levels of the water. Although often sold at a size of around 5cm at most tropical fish dealers, these fish can grow to a size of 11cm, and some individuals may even exceed that. It is commonly found in lakes and rivers in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo.

1 Coloration
2 Tank Requirements
3 Diet
4 Breeding
5 References

[edit] Coloration

The body is a brownish-silver colour, covered in a Pearl-like pattern with a distinct black 'lace' running from the fish's head, and gradually thinning towards the caudal fin. The patterning of this fish has given way to many popular names, such as the Lace Gourami and the Mosaic Gourami. The 'lace' refers to the long black line running through the fish's body, whereas 'Mosaic' refers more towards the pearl, or mosaic-like patterning of the body. Male specimens of this fish, typical of many Gouramis, are generally larger and more colourful than their female counterparts. They exhibit bright orange colouring around the throat region,which at breeding time becomes much brighter and is used to court the female. Males also exhibit somewhat of an orange tinge in their fins, with the exception of the caudal fin.

[edit] Tank Requirements

A tank with a volume of 50 litres or over should do a pair of Pearl Gouramis fine, although anything above that volume is greatly recommended. The tank should be heated to around 24-30 degrees Celsius (75-86F) and preferably have a surface which is exposed to fresh air - in order for the Pearl Gourami's labyrinth organ to function correctly (A good airpump providing fresh air above the surface of the water will do). As with any tropical aquarium, provide adequate filtration, lighting, substrate and decorations, plants, and the ultimate need of any pet; love, attention, and proper care. The Pearl Gourami is a peaceful fish well suited to most community tanks. Keep the tank clean as this fish, although somewhat hardy, can be vulnerable to disease. Many Gouramis feel more at home when the tank is furnished with many plants, decorations, and ornaments which provide safe refuges for the fish in times of stress. This species can be very quiet and timid, so avoid keeping it with avid fin-nippers and other aggressive fish.

[edit] Diet

The Pearl Gourami is an omnivore. It is best fed a good variety of flaked foods, freeze-dried foods such as tubifex worms, and the occasional safe live foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm. The Pearl Gourami also feeds on small crustaceans such as snails - an asset to aquarists as snails (often brought into the aquarium environment along with plants) are widely considered pests and best done without.

[edit] Breeding

The Pearl Gourami is a bubble nest builder that uses plants to help bind together the bubbles. Besides the difference in colour, the sex can be determined by the dorsal fin. The male's dorsal fin is pointed, while the female's is rounded. The water level should be reduced to 8 inches during spawning, and the temperature should be approximately 28 °C (82 °F) and with a pH of around 7. After spawning the female should be moved to a different tank. The male will tend to the eggs and fry, and when the fry are 2-3 days old the male should also be removed. When first hatched, the fry should be fed infusoria, and later, brine shrimp and finely ground flakes. Freeze-dried tablets may also be fed to older fry.