Moonlight gourami - Trichogaster microlepis
Scientific name: Trichogaster microlepis
Common name: Moonlight gourami
Family: Osphronemidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 13 cm (3.94 - 5.12 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 26 - 30 °C (78.8 - 86°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: East Asia
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Moonlight gourami will accept all foods; try to vary their diet with treats of live and frozen meaty foods. These are a timid fish and will not compete with larger tank mates for a meal.
Origin
Moonlight gouramis originate from Thailand, Cambodia.
Sexing
Males will have a red to orange tinge on the pelvic fins and an extended dorsal fin. The females will have a more yellowy pelvic fin.
Breeding
As with all gouramis, these are bubble nest builders. To aid this floating plant should be added to the tank. The male will dance around the female under the nest and eventually wrap himself around her. Up to 2000 eggs will be laid; these will take 2-3 days to hatch. As the fry are very small, only small food particles should be offered to them like daphnia and rotifers.
Lifespan
Expected lifespan is 4 years.
Short description
Trichogaster microlepis does best in soft water conditions, regular water changes are a must to keep this Gourami in top form.