Tropical Fish: Gouramis

Breeding Blue Gourami

Trichogaster trichopterus Species

The shape of the dorsal fin, which is long and pointed in males, compared to the females' shorter rounded dorsal, is the primary means to differentiate between the sexes. Females that are prepared for spawning will show a pronounced swelling in the breast area. Both sexes display a much deeper blue color during breeding periods. Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.

Spawning begins with the building of the bubblenest by the male, which usually occurs early in the day. After a suitable nest has been prepared, the male attempts to entice the female under it by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. The female signals her readiness by biting his back, and the male responds by repeatedly brushing his back against her belly before taking her into a spawning embrace.

Like many anabantoids, the male Blue Gourami wraps his body tightly around the female, turning her on her side or back so the eggs will rise unimpeded to the surface. This close embrace is also important because it brings the reproductive products as close together as possible. Because sperm cells survive only a matter of minutes in the water, the timing of their release and proximity to the eggs is critical. Just before the sperm are released, the pair may be observed quivering - a sure sign that spawning is near completion. The eggs are released immediately thereafter, and are fertilized by the time they reach the bubblenest. The pair may repeat the process a number of times over the course of several hours. It is not unusual for the number of eggs produced to reach into the thousands.

Once spawning is complete, the female's involvement is over, and she should be removed to prevent her from being attacked by the male. From this point forward until they hatch, the male will tend the eggs, carefully rearranging them and returning any errant eggs back to the nest. Spitting streams of water is an interesting phenomenon often seen at this time in breeding males. It is believed the purpose of this behavior is to keep the eggs positioned within the bubblenest. In some cases spitting has been used to dislodge insects hanging just above the surface of the water.

The eggs hatch in approximately 30 hours. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii. Water changes should be frequent, especially during the third week, which is when the labyrinth organ develops.

Article by: Shirlie Sharpe. Photos by: Wiljo Jonsson

Compatibility: Livebearers, Tetras, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Barbs, Loaches, Plecos, and scavenger Catfish.

Gourami Care:

They should not be kept with large, aggressive fish, but would enjoy the company of other small, peaceful fish as well as fellow gouramis. Loud noises often scare them, so the tank should be in a quiet area.

Traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change significantly with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they obtain a much deeper blue hue.

Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.

Gouramis Related Articles:

Red Dwarf Gouramis are well suited to smaller aquariums, as well as community aquariums due to their peaceful nature. They should not be kept with very large or aggressive fish. Provide plenty of vegetation, including floating plants that cover part of the surface of the water.

Pearl Gourami Accustomed to heavy vegetation in their natural habitat, they will thrive if given similar conditions in the aquarium.

Blue Gourami Blue Gouramis are one of the names given to the extremely popular Three Spot Gourami. Several subspecies exist, including the Cosby hybrid, Gold, and Silver varieties. Although traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change considerably with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they acquire a much deeper blue hue.

Breeding Dwarf Gouramis Lowering the water level to 6-8 inches and raising the water temperature to 28-30 C will trigger spawning. Vegetation is essential, as males build their bubble nest using plant material, which it binds together with bubbles.