Gold Gourami
Scientific Name: Trichogaster trichopterus
Recommended Aquarium: 30+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 4 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Southeast Asia
One of the hardiest fish, the Gold Gouramis has a basic golden body color, with or without black blotches and short striping along the dorsal ridge. As can all labyrinth fish, the Gouramis can go to the surface and breathe directly from the atmosphere, though this is rarely required in a home aquarium. The mode of reproduction is via bubble nest building. The spawning pair should be isolated in a shallow tank with loose plant material. Once the spawning is complete, the female should be removed, as the male will become belligerent. The fry will hatch out in 3-5 days and require freshly hatched brine shrimp or micro-worms or even a boiled egg yolk mashed through a fine cloth. At this point the male should be removed from the breeding tank and the water changed daily for the first 2 weeks or so. It is best to keep a glass top on the breeding tank to keep the atmosphere above the water as humid as possible. This is important to help the fry when they approach the surface to gulp in some air to fill their swimbladder.
Approximate arrival size for Gold Gourami:
1.5 to 3 inches
