Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), also known as the Three Spot Gourami or Opaline Gourami, is a popular and beautiful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. It is known for its calm nature, striking appearance, and hardy nature, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Key Characteristics of the Blue Gourami:

1. Appearance:

   • The Blue Gourami has an elongated, oval-shaped body, with long, flowing fins that give it an elegant and graceful appearance.
   • Its base color is a soft blue or bluish-gray, with a silvery sheen that can vary in intensity. Depending on the individual, the fish may show additional color variations, such as hints of green, gold, or orange.
   • The most distinctive feature of the Blue Gourami is its three dark spots: one near the gill cover, one in the middle of the body, and another near the tail, giving it the name "Three Spot Gourami."
   • They have long pelvic fins (which are called "feelers"), and their pectoral fins are delicate and fan-like.

2. Size:

   • Blue Gouramis typically grow to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, although some individuals may reach a slightly larger size in ideal conditions.

3. Temperament:

   • Blue Gouramis are peaceful and calm, making them great community fish. They are generally non-aggressive but can become territorial, particularly during breeding or when housed with other males.
   • They are social and do well with other peaceful species, but it's recommended to keep them in groups with a balance of males and females to avoid aggression from males.
   • They can sometimes show dominance over smaller, more timid species, but they are generally not considered aggressive.

4. Habitat Requirements:

   • Water Conditions: Blue Gouramis thrive in neutral to slightly acidic water (pH of 6.0 to 7.5) and soft to moderately hard water (around 5–15 dGH).
   • Temperature: They are tropical fish that prefer warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
   • Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a group of Blue Gouramis, especially if you plan to keep more than one male.
   • Substrate: A soft, fine-gravel substrate is best for them, though they can adapt to other types of substrate. Adding plants and hiding places will help them feel secure, especially during the breeding season.
   • Water Movement: They prefer calm or slow-moving water, so avoid high water currents in their tank.

5. Diet:

   • Blue Gouramis are omnivores, and their diet can include:
     • High-quality flake foods, pellets, and freeze-dried foods (like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp).
     • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and blackworms.
     • They also enjoy occasional plant matter such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or lettuce.
   • Blue Gouramis are bottom feeders and may graze on algae, so it's essential to provide a variety of food to ensure a balanced diet.

6. Lifespan:

   • With proper care, Blue Gouramis can live for 4 to 6 years, though some have been known to live even longer.

7. Breeding:

   • Blue Gouramis are bubble-nesters and have a unique breeding process. The male builds a bubble nest at the water's surface using bubbles and plant material. Once the nest is built, the male will court a female, and the pair will spawn in the nest.
   • After spawning, the male will protect the eggs in the bubble nest until they hatch (usually within a couple of days).
   • The male can sometimes be aggressive during breeding, so it's important to monitor the tank if you have multiple males.

Care Tips for Blue Gourami:

• Tank Setup: Blue Gouramis prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and calm waters. You can use floating plants to mimic their natural environment, which helps them feel secure and provides surface coverage for bubble nest building.
• Water Quality: Blue Gouramis are hardy, but it's important to maintain good water quality with regular water changes (about 20%–30% per week) to prevent the build-up of toxins like ammonia or nitrites.
• Tank Mates: They do well with peaceful tank mates such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, small barbs, or shrimp. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species like some cichlids or large, fast-moving fish.
• Social Structure: If you plan to keep more than one Blue Gourami, be mindful that multiple males may fight for dominance. It's best to have one male and several females, or multiple females to balance the aggression.
• Feeding: Offer a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen treats. Provide some plant-based foods as well for variety.

Final Thoughts:

The Blue Gourami is a charming and hardy fish that can thrive in a variety of community tank setups. Its gentle temperament, striking appearance, and relatively easy care make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarium keepers. Providing a well-maintained environment with calm water and plenty of hiding spots will help ensure your Blue Gourami remains healthy, active, and vibrant for many years.