Frail gourami - Ctenops nobilis

Scientific name: Ctenops nobilis

Common name: Frail gourami

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 12 cm (3.54 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.7 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 24 °C (69.8 - 75.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Introduction

Ctenops nobilis, commonly known as the Frail Gourami, is a unique and rare species native to India, Bengal, and Bangladesh. Known for their delicate nature and challenging care requirements, these fish are not recommended for beginner aquarists. Their preference for low pH levels, pristine water conditions, and specific habitat needs makes them a fascinating but demanding addition to advanced setups.

Food and Feeding

Frail Gouramis thrive on a diet of live and frozen foods. Offer bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms to meet their dietary needs. While they may accept high-quality flake food, live and frozen options are essential to their health and well-being. Feed them small portions several times a day to mimic their natural feeding habits. Ensure the food reaches all individuals, as they may be slow feeders compared to other tank inhabitants.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

To provide the ideal environment for Frail Gouramis, set up a heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and subdued lighting. Use soft substrates and include floating plants like Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) or Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) to create shaded areas. Maintain water parameters with a pH range of 5.7-7, hardness of 10-20°N (178.57-357.14 ppm), and a temperature between 21-24°C (69.8-75.2°F). Regular water changes are crucial to maintain optimal water quality, as this species is highly sensitive to fluctuations in parameters.

Sexing

Distinguishing between males and females can be challenging, as there are no obvious visual differences between the sexes. Behavior during breeding attempts may provide clues, with males displaying territorial behavior.

Breeding

Breeding Ctenops nobilis in captivity is exceedingly rare due to their demanding care requirements. Males are territorial and can become aggressive toward females, making it crucial to provide ample hiding spots and observe interactions closely. A low-pH breeding tank with minimal disturbances and optimal conditions may encourage spawning, but successful cases remain undocumented in aquariums.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of Frail Gouramis is not well-documented, as many individuals fail to reach their full potential due to improper care or suboptimal conditions. In pristine environments, their lifespan could be significantly extended.

Behavior and Compatibility

Frail Gouramis are generally peaceful but can become territorial, particularly males. They are best kept in species-specific setups or with calm, non-aggressive tank mates like small tetras or rasboras. Avoid housing them with larger or boisterous species, as stress can significantly impact their health. Their delicate nature requires careful monitoring of tank dynamics to prevent conflicts or undue stress.

Short Description

Ctenops nobilis, or Frail Gourami, is an incredibly challenging species to care for, requiring soft, acidic water, pristine conditions, and a carefully managed environment. Their territorial behavior and sensitivity to water parameters make them a demanding choice even for experienced aquarists. While they are a fascinating species, many pet stores choose not to stock them due to the difficulty of maintaining their health in captivity.