Snakeskin gourami - Trichogaster pectoralis

Scientific name: Trichogaster pectoralis

Common name: Snakeskin gourami

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 25 cm (7.87 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 10°N (35.71 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

This Gourami will accept all foods offered. Their staple diet should consist of quality flake or small pellets. Treats of blood worms and brine shrimp will be readily accepted.

Origin

Southeast Asia; Snakeskin gouramis are to be found in Cambodia and Thailand.

Sexing

Males will have an extended dorsal fin that will finish with a point. The pelvic fins will have a reddish tint to them.

Breeding

Snakeskin gouramis are the easiest gouramis to breed; raising the fry is the hard part as they can produce 5000 in one batch. The male will build a bubble nest and the female will then enter it to lay her eggs. Both fish will make good parents and the fry, once hatched should be fed on finely crushed flake initially. Newly hatched brine shrimp should also be offered for alternate meals.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Trichogaster pectoralis is 3-5 years.

Short description

Trichogaster pectoralis need a lot of room, only keep them in a large aquarium. They require a planted tank with floating plants included. Reduce the water flow to a slow current.

Pictures

Thanks to Sayer for the picture! Other were bought from jjphoto.dk.