Trichogaster pectoralis
| Common Names: | Snakeskin Gourami |
| Synonyms: | Trichopodus pectoralis |
| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Category: | Labyrinth_Fish |
| Distribution: | Asia; South East Asia. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Flooding; Flooding |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Peaceful. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Omnivorous, the Snakeskin Gourami will accept almost any food offered to it. Flakes are a good staple, but the fish also relishes live foods and sinking wafers. Unlike most fish of a similar size, the Snakeskin Gourami has no urge to prey upon smaller fishes. |
| Care: | This large gourami requires a tank of at least 40 gallons (150 liters). It is adaptable and easy to care for, but is e to develop Hole-in-the-Head when water quality is poor. Because this species is shy, it requires at least a few large hiding places to feel secure. Sharp rocks or ornaments should not be used, because the fish can seriously injure itself on them if it starts to panic. |
| pH: |
|
| Temperature: |
|
| Hardness: |
|
| Potential Size: | Male: 25cm (9.8") Female: 25cm (9.8") |
| Water Region: | Middle, Surface; Middle-Surface |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | The dorsal fin of the male is pointed. A female is pictured above. |
| Breeding: | A bubble nest builder. To breed the Snakeskin Gourami, begin by conditioning the pair for a couple of weeks with live or frozen bloodworms. Lower the water level to about fifteen to twenty centimetres. The temperature should be adjusted to 28°C and the tank should be well covered, as with all surface fish. The male will wrap himself around the female to squeeze the eggs out, which are then depostited by the male into the nest. Remove the female after spawning. |
| Variants: |
| Comments: | The Snakeskin Gourami is a large Belontiid that is rarely available in Australia. Although in the wild this species can easily reach 30cm (12") in length, 15-20cm (6-8") is more common for captive specimens. |
| Main Colours: | Silver, Black, Brown |
| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Upturned |
| Tail: | Concave |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | Natalie, Joe Potato |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
| Edit Profile: |