[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Noble Gourami (Ctenops nobilis)

Although the Noble Gourami was imported into Europe during the early decades of the 20th century, it never attained wide popularity owing to its “challenging” requirements and delicate nature. This is, undoubtedly, a species that should be kept only by experienced aquarists. Kept in appropriate conditions, it is a truly beautiful fish.

Other common names

• Indian Gourami, Ctenops

Family

• Belontudae

Subfamily

• Macropodinae

Distribution

• Eastern India and Bangladesh.

Size

• Up to 4 3/4in (12cm), but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Shy, retiring; must not be kept with boisterous tankmates.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but deep-frozen, freeze-dried, and some other commercial diets may be accepted.

Aquarium

• Heavily planted, tranquil, with subdued lighting and numerous bogwood shelters. Softish, neutral water advisable, with a little deviation tolerated. Temperature range: 77-86 F (25-30 C).

Breeding

• Very challenging and infrequent in aquaria. Small numbers of eggs are incubated orally by female who releases free-swimming fry 10-15 days after spawning.