Opaline Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
• Common Names: Opaline Gourami, Marbled Gourami, Cosby Gourami
• Type: A selectively bred color morph of the Three-Spot Gourami, known for its striking marbled blue and white pattern.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Opaline Gourami has a beautiful marbled appearance with light blue, silver, and white patches blending across the body. Unlike the Three-Spot Gourami, the dark spots are often less visible due to the marbling.
• Size: Can grow up to 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in length.
• Fins: They have long dorsal and anal fins, which are usually slightly translucent with the same marbled coloration. Ventral fins are thin and threadlike, used for sensing the environment.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 4-6 years in captivity.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:

  • A minimum of 30 gallons for one Opaline Gourami.
  • For groups or community setups, at least 40 gallons is recommended to allow ample space.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-8.0.
  • Hardness: 5-35 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration is preferred. They enjoy calm, slow-moving waters similar to their natural habitats in Southeast Asia.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well. Opaline Gouramis also appreciate densely planted tanks with hiding spots and open swimming areas.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per day with small portions that they can consume in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Fresh vegetables like blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Generally peaceful, though males can become territorial or mildly aggressive, especially during breeding.
• Compatibility: They can be kept with peaceful tank mates such as tetras, rasboras, mollies, or bottom-dwelling fish like corydoras and loaches. Avoid aggressive species or fin-nippers like tiger barbs.
• Activity Level: Active swimmers, they frequent the middle and top levels of the tank, using their labyrinth organ to occasionally breathe air from the surface.
• Temperament: While peaceful, they can show territorial behavior if kept with other male gouramis or in smaller tanks.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Opaline Gouramis build bubble nests at the surface, where males court females for spawning. After eggs are laid, the male tends to them by placing them in the bubble nest.
• Eggs: The eggs float within the bubble nest and hatch in about 24-48 hours.
• Fry Care: Fry become free-swimming after 3 days. It is best to remove the female after spawning and the male after the fry become free-swimming to prevent aggression.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Weekly water changes of 20-25% are recommended to maintain water quality.
  • Monitor water parameters regularly to avoid ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate spikes.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Can be treated by raising the temperature and applying medications.
  • Fin Rot: Often a result of poor water quality; treated with antibacterial treatments.
  • Swim Bladder Issues: Can result from poor water conditions or overfeeding. Ensure balanced feeding and good water quality.