Trichopodus leerii, the pearl gourami, is a species of
gourami native to Southeast Asia.
Description
These fish reach about 12 centimetres (4.7 in) TL.The body
is a brownish-silver colour, covered in a pearl-like pattern with a distinct
black line 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.
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.
Tank requirements
A tank with a volume of 60 litres (15 gallons) or over is
adequate for a pair of pearl gouramis, although anything above that volume is
greatly recommended, since these fish show signs of stress when feeling
confined. Preferred tank temperatures are 22–28°C (72–82F). Tanks with surfaces
exposed to fresh air are recommended so that the pearl gourami's labyrinth
organ can function correctly. As with any tropical aquarium, adequate
filtration, lighting, substrate and decorations, plants, and proper care are
required. The pearl gourami is a territorial fish and should only be suited in
a community tank with fish of similar size to it. However, this fish may be
somewhat timid or shy, and should not be kept with fish that are too boisterous
or aggressive. Although somewhat hardy, pearl gouramis can be vulnerable to
disease.Clean tanks are a must for pearl gouramis. 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. 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 are recommended.
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 cannot be kept
together. The eggs hatch after two days and the fry become free swimming three
days later (Ter Morshuizen 2007). When they commence with swimming freely the
fry can 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 °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 completed her egg-laying.
The fry are tiny at hatching. The male takes responsibility
for the fry, rescuing them and spitting them back into the nest if they fall
out. Some tend to grow faster than others, and will exhibit fratricide, eating
their smaller siblings.
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