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This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected
fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman,
and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. New profiles
are added on a regular basis. If you would like to submit a profile
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with this fish by filling out the
Trichogaster leeri
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Overview:
Another old time favorite, this very hardy fish has been bred commercially
in various color forms. It is a staple of the hobby.
Quick stats:
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Listed tank sizes are the minimum
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| Size: |
Up to 4.5 inches (12 cm) |
| Tank: |
48 inches |
| Strata: |
Top, middle |
| PH: |
5.5 to 7.5 |
| Hardness: |
Soft to hard |
| Temperature: |
73° to 82°F (24 to 28°C) |
Classification:
| Order: |
Perciformes |
| Suborder: |
Anabantoidei |
| Family: |
Anabantidae |
| Genera: |
Trichogaster |
Common name:
Pearl Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Red-Breast Gourami
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
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Forum
Distribution
Malay Peninsula, Thailand and the Greater Sundra islands.
General Body Form:
Somewhat elongated with moderate Lateral compression. The anal fin starts
in the front of the fish and the soft rayed end points extend to the
beginning of the Caudal (tail) fin, in males it is even longer. All
the species of Trichogaster have a pretty small (in length connected
to the body) Dorsal fin that is greatly elongated in the male. The Ventral
fins are elongated into feeler like threads. The rear portion of the
tail fin is deeply indented.
Coloration:
I will describe the original coloration of the pearl here as there are
some many hybrids out there it would be impossible to describe them
all.
Male: The base color is a Reddish Brown that is almost completely covered
by a mixture of White Pearly dots that give the look of an Opalescent
sheen. An intermittent dark Brown line extends down the body sides from
the nose through the eyes to the start of the tail fin where it blooms
into a round blotch. Under this band there are a series of darker dots
mixed in with the Pearly dots. The throat and belly area, including
the base of the pectoral feelers and the stiff Anal rays turn a vivid
Orange to Red. The female is less colorful with the base color being
more brownish and the throat, belly area and Pectoral feelers a more
Silver color.
Maintenance:
A hardy fish that will adapt to many conditions. Keep them in pairs
and the fish will display to each other and show off their best colors.
Keep in a planted community aquarium with many plants including floating
varieties. Provide hiding places for the female. Tank mates should be
slower moving peaceful species. Provide good filtration with a slow
water flow (like from a spraybar) so as not to disturb any Bubblenest.
Pearls are Omnivorous and will take live, flake, frozen as well as vegetable
based food.
Biotope:
Found near the shore in areas with vegetation or underneath floating
plants in standing or slow moving water. Can also be found in areas
of shallow water with leaf rubble on the bottom.
Breeding:
Typical Bubble nest builder, where a large nest is constructed below
floating or among plants. The nest and fry are maintained and guarded
by the male. Feed on newly hatched Brine shrimp and transfer a rearing
tank.
Buy now from
liveaquaria.com
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Pearl Gourami
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Click photo to buy
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Trichogaster leeri
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