Moonbeam Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)

Scientific Name(s): Trichogaster microlepis

 

Common Name(s): Moonbeam Gourami, Moolight Gourami

 

Family: Belontiidae

 

Species Type: Labyrinth Fish

 

Maximum Size: 6 inches

 

Life Span: 10 years

 

Natural Habitat: Lakes and Marshes in Cambodia and Thailand

 

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other community fish with similar water parameter recommendations.

 

Description: The common name describes this peaceful labyrinth fish quite well. The Moonlight gourami is silver in color with a green or blue hue much like the color of the moon. The Moonlight Gourami is differentiated from other Gourami species by the concave slope of its head.

Native to still or slowly moving waters in Thailand and central Cambodia, the Moonlight Gourami does well in a heavily planted aquarium with soft acidic water. Sturdy vegetation such as Java Fern and Vallisneria are excellent choices. This species is well suited to a mixed community tank but may become skittsh and hide a lot in an active aquarium. Even under ideal conditions this is a fish that tends to be timid but fares well when kept only with community fish.

Like all labyrinth fish, Trichogaster microlepis has a special organ that allows it to breathe air directly. Because if this labyrinth organ, it is not unusual to see it go to the surface and gulp air. The ability to breathe air allows them to survive in very low oxygen situations. In fact, if it remains moist it can actually survive out of water for up to several hours.

Because it is so tolerant of less than perfect water, it is a good beginner fish. However the water should be changed regularly to maintain good health.

 

Temperature Range 76°F - 82°F

60°F

65°F

70°F

75°F

80°F

85°F

90°F

 

pH Range 6 - 7

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 1° - 20°

0°

10°

20°

30°

40°

 

Breeding Information: To help initiate breeding, you can lower the water level of the aquarium and slowly raise the temperature to 82-84 degrees. Floating plants will help the gourami find a place to lay eggs. The eggs are laid in bubble like nests in the plants.

 

Sexing Information: Females tend to be silver in color and males tend to have more of a blue hue. The pelvic fins of the male are more red or orange and the female pelvic fin is more yellow.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - does well with flake or pellet foods.

 

Temperment: A generally peaceful fish that tends to be a bit skittish.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Moonbeam Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)