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Photo of: Moonbeam Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)
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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
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| 60°F |
65°F |
70°F |
75°F |
80°F |
85°F |
90°F |
| pH 5.0 |
pH 6.0 |
pH 7.0 |
pH 8.0 |
pH 9.0 |
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African Catfish
