[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis)

This is an elegant silvery fish with extremely long filamentlike pelvic fins. Neither it nor any of the other gouramis in its genus, or within Colisa, should be kept with fin-nipping species such as Barbus tetrazona (Tiger Barb), which would—sooner or later—damage these delicate fins.

Other common names

• Moonbeam Gourami, Thinlip Gourami

Family

• Belontiidae

Subfamily

• Trichogasterinae (classified as Trichogastrinae by some authors)

Distribution

• Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Size

• Up to 8in (20cm) reported, but usually considerably smaller.

Behavior

• Generally peaceful, except at breeding time when males become territorial.

Diet

• Most foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Large, covered, well planted, with some surface vegetation and an open central area. Subdued illumination recommended Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: 73-82 F (23-28 C).

Breeding

• Substantial bubble nest may be built at water surface by male, which may tear off bits of submerged vegetation for inclusion in bubble nest. The eggs and newly hatched fry are also guarded by male. Hatching takes about 1 day.