Lavender Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
• Common Names: Lavender Gourami, Purple Gourami
• Type: A selectively bred color morph of the Blue Gourami, prized for its subtle lavender or purple hue.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Lavender Gourami has a soft lavender or purplish body color, often with a gradient that transitions to silver or blue towards the belly. It retains the characteristic two dark spots on the body (one near the pectoral fin and another near the tail).
• Size: Typically grows to about 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in length.
• Fins: Long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, sometimes with a pinkish or purple tint. Their ventral fins are long and threadlike, used as tactile organs.
• Lifespan: With good care, they can live for 4-6 years in captivity.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:
  • Minimum of 20 gallons for a single fish.
  • For groups or community tanks, at least 30 gallons is recommended to prevent territorial behavior.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-8.0.
  • Hardness: 5-35 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration with low water flow, as they prefer still or slow-moving water.
  • Substrate: Any type of substrate can be used, though soft sand or smooth gravel is ideal. Dense vegetation and hiding spots mimic their natural habitat and provide security.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per day, providing small portions they can consume in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Vegetables like blanched peas, spinach, or zucchini can occasionally be added for variety.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially males, during breeding or in confined spaces.
• Compatibility: Ideal for community tanks with similarly peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, or mollies. Avoid aggressive species or fin-nippers such as barbs.
• Activity Level: Moderately active, often seen swimming in the middle and upper parts of the aquarium.
• Temperament: Though peaceful, they may show mild aggression or territoriality if housed with other male gouramis or in overcrowded tanks.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males build bubble nests at the water's surface to attract females. Once eggs are laid, the male tends to them by placing them in the bubble nest.
• Eggs: After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch within 24-48 hours. The fry become free-swimming in about 3 days.
• Fry Care: It’s best to remove the female after spawning and the male after the fry become free-swimming to prevent aggression or the risk of the male eating the young.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Perform weekly 20-25% water changes to maintain good water quality.
  • Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to avoid harmful spikes.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with heat and medications.
  • Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality; improve tank conditions and treat with antibacterial medication if needed.
  • Swim Bladder Disorder: Can result from overfeeding or poor water quality. Adjust feeding and ensure optimal water conditions.