Common name/s: Croaking Gourami or Talking Gourami

Scientific name: Trichopsis vittata

Family: Osphronemidae

Origin: Asian jungle streams

Maximum size: 2" - 2 1/2"

Care: These fish are not difficult as far as water requirements - they will be fine in 72-82F, and from 6.5-7.5 pH. They are shy, so pick tankmates accordingly (no aggressive or overally active species). They are middle-range tank dwellers. Croaking Gouramis prefer well shaded tanks with plenty of hiding areas, well-planted if possible, along with the absence of a strong current. Clean water is a must!

Feeding: They will accept all types of flake food, and enjoy small live food to supplement their diet.

Sexing: Gender differences are fairly unknown or obscure, though it is said that males have more red in their anal fin and tail, along with having extensions on the same fins. The male may also have a more pointed dorsal fin.

Breeding: The male builds a loose bubblenest either in an enclosed, submerged area such as a pot, or at the surface of the water (anchored by plants, etc). Then, the male courts the female, until she follows him to the nest. He wraps around the female while she expells the eggs, and he fertilizes them. Then, he picks up the eggs and blows them into the bubble nest, where he tends them until they hatch. The fry are very small and need infusoria and small live foods such as microworms for the first weeks of life.

Comments: These fish actually do make a "croaking" noise - either during spawning or when two males are displaying for each other. Also, Croaking Gouramis often look very boring and dull in pet stores, but become extremely beautiful when healthy and happy. Their blue and green coloring shows up, along with adorable blue eyes.

This article confuses two distinct species, T. vittatus and T. pumilus. See my post here