Overview
- The Opaline Gourami is a captive-bred color form of the three spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus). It has a marbled blue pattern.
- Wild three spot gouramis live in slow, weedy lowland waters of the Mekong basin and Southeast Asia.
- Grows to about 6 in (15 cm) standard length.
Feeding
- A generalist omnivore. Accepts most foods.
- Add plant matter and small live or frozen foods.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 36 × 12 in (90 × 30 cm).
- Planted, with floating cover and open swimming areas.
- Water: 75–86°F (24–30°C), pH 5.5–8.5, GH 3–35.
Fish Care
- Very hardy and tolerates a wide range of water chemistry.
Compatibility
- Not always a peaceful community fish. Some individuals become spiteful as they mature.
- Best with robust fish such as barbs, larger characins and catfish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Males are territorial and aggressive when breeding.
- Breathes air with its labyrinth organ.
Breeding
- Easy. A bubble nest builder.
- Use shallow water, 6–8 in (15–20 cm) deep, with floating plants and gentle filtration.
- Give each male 2–3 females.