Pearl gourami
Trichopodus leerii, the pearl gourami or lace gourami, sometimes also known as the "leerii" and formally Trichogaster leerii, is a tropical labyrinth fish that is often kept in aquaria.
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| Pearl gourami |
image source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:TyR
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| Pearl gourami |
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stee/
Distribution and habitat
The pearl gourami originates from Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. It occurs in lowland swamps with acidic water.This fish prefers the top and middle levels of the water.
Appearance and anatomy
These fish reach about 12 centimetres (5 in) TL. 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 rise 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 (tail) fin. The male also has longer fins, with a more pointed dorsal fin and extended anal fin rays.
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 (tail) fin. The male also has longer fins, with a more pointed dorsal fin and extended anal fin rays.
In the aquarium
Tank requirements
A tank with a volume of 60 litres (15 gallons) or over should do a pair of pearl gouramis fine, although anything above that volume is greatly recommended, since these fish show signs of stress when feeling confined.The tank should be heated to around 22–28°C (72–82F).The tank should also preferably have a surface which is exposed to fresh air so the pearl gourami's labyrinth organ can function correctly. As with any tropical aquarium, provide adequate filtration, lighting, substrate and decorations, plants, and proper care. The pearl gourami is a peaceful fish well suited to most community tanks.However, this fish may be somewhat timid or shy, and should not be kept with fish that are too boisterous or aggressive.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.
Feeding
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.
Breeding
The pearl gourami is a bubble nest builder that uses plants to help bind together the bubbles. The water level should be reduced to 20 cm (8 in) during spawning, and the temperature should be approximately 28 °C (82 °F) and with a pH of around 7. After spawning both adults should be removed. The eggs hatch after 2 days and the fry become free swimming 3 days later (Ter Morshuizen 2007). When they commence with free swimming the fry should be fed infusoria and brine shrimp, and a week later finely ground flakes. Freeze-dried tablets may also be fed to older fry. The temperature needs to be high (about 84 degrees F.) and with little or no water movement. Since they are air breathers, filtration is not necessary.
The pearl gourami has a very unusual and beautiful mating dance. The male builds a nest of tiny, durable bubbles. The female takes a position under the nest and the male curves his body tightly around her, from underneath, as if holding her. Her body quivers while she expels a few eggs. Next he releases her and picks up the eggs in his mouth, as they are slowly sinking, then he spits them into the bubble nest. This sequence is repeated several times, till she has completes her egg-laying.
The fry are very tiny at hatching. The male takes responsibility for the fry, rescuing them and spitting them back into the nest if they fall out. As they grow, some tend to grow faster than others, and will exhibit fratricide, eating their smaller siblings.
The pearl gourami has a very unusual and beautiful mating dance. The male builds a nest of tiny, durable bubbles. The female takes a position under the nest and the male curves his body tightly around her, from underneath, as if holding her. Her body quivers while she expels a few eggs. Next he releases her and picks up the eggs in his mouth, as they are slowly sinking, then he spits them into the bubble nest. This sequence is repeated several times, till she has completes her egg-laying.
The fry are very tiny at hatching. The male takes responsibility for the fry, rescuing them and spitting them back into the nest if they fall out. As they grow, some tend to grow faster than others, and will exhibit fratricide, eating their smaller siblings.