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Trichopsis pumila
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Overview:
The sparkling gourami, sometimes known as the pygmy gourami is a beautiful little fish that reaches a maximum size of 1.5 inches. It is shaped more like a betta than like many of it's rounded gourami breathren. Sparkling gouramis are peaceful fish that can be kept in groups. They can be kept in a community setting but is best suited with peaceful fish of similar size and temperament, otherwise they will be timid and spend most of the time hiding. These fish do best with in a nice planted aquarium with some floating plants. Dark substrate and a little bright light beaming through the plants will show off the spectacular coloration of these fish.
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Quick stats:
Listed tank sizes are the minimum |
Size: |
1.5 inches (4 cm) |
Tank: |
10 Gallon minimum |
Strata: |
All Levels |
Temperature: |
77°F to 82.4°F (25°-28° C) |
Hardness: |
5-19 dH |
PH: |
6.0 – 7.0 |
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Classification:
Classification: |
Order: |
Perciformes (perch-likes) |
Family: |
Osphronemidae (Gouramis) |
Genera: |
Actinopterygii |
Species: |
pumila |
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Common name:
Sparkling gourami, Pygmy gourami
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
Badmans'
Forum
Distribution
Asia: Thailand and Laos to Indonesia
General Body Form:
Somewhat elongated with strong Lateral compression. The upper and lower profiles are almost symmetrical The dorsal fin is thin and pointed.The anal fin starts
in the front of the fish and the soft rayed end points extend to the
beginning of the Caudal (tail) fin in males The
males can be identified by his longer and more pointed dorsal and anal
fins.
Coloration:
The sparkling gourami has a golden body speckled with flecks of iridescent red and fins that sport blue and green spots.
Maintenance:
Provide a planted tank with shady places and plant covering. Some say they are sensitive to tempersature flucuations.
Diet:
Naturally omnivorous, living on zooplankton and aquatic insects in the wild. In captivity they will accept tropical fish flakes, algae flakes, frozen foods and will relish the occasional live blackworm, or live brine shrimp.
Biotope:
Occurs in ditches, small ponds and peats. Naturally occurs in standing or stagnant water with dense floating plants and can withstand the occasional low oxygen level.
Breeding:
Males can become aggressive with other males during spawning. The male builds bubblenests at the water's surface. 100 – 170 eggs are produced per spawn and the male tends the nest guarding the eggs and young. The female should be removed after spawning. Wrigglers should be fed infusoria for the first 10 days and then the fry should be large enough to take baby brine shrimp or microworms. As with other gouramis the male should be removed when the fry are free swimming to avoid him eating them.
Buy now from
liveaquaria.com
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Sparkling Gourami |
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Click photo to buy |
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Trichopsis pumilus |
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References:
http://fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=12082
http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/stats/anabantid-stats/stats_anababtids2i.html
http://www.noclownsinacube.net/fish_chart1.html
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=830+882+1562&pcatid=1562&siteid=21&
http://www.wetwebmedia.com (general search on sparkling gourami and what they had to say in faqs, etc.)
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/gourami/sparkling.php
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