Gourami - Moonlight

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scientific Name: Trichogaster microlepis

Basic Info

Moonlight Gouramis have long feelers that hang from the undersides of their bodies. By adulthood, these fish usually measure between five and six inches (13 to 15 centimeters). These fish are silver in color, and have long filaments hanging from the undersides of their bodies that function as sensory organs. Males typically have orange-red feelers. The pectoral fins of females are usually yellow, while those of males tend to be orange or red. Adult Moonlight Gouramis have red irises.

Health

Moonlight Gouramis should be allowed spacious aquariums. Water temperatures should remain between 77 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 29 degrees Celsius). A pH between 6.0 and 7.2 and water hardness of around 8.0 dGH is desirable. Sharp or protruding objects should be avoided in a Moonlight Gourami's tank, to avoid injuring their long and delicate feeler organs. Live plants in the enclosure may be eaten, though along with rocks and driftwood, they can make fine hiding places. Moonlight Gouramis may be kept with other, similar sized fish, although smaller fish may be eaten or bullied. Moonlight Gouramis can be fed spinach, peas, and zucchini bits. Frozen and live bloodworms, glass worms, or brine shrimp may be offered. Live tubifex worms may also be offered, along with frozen daphnia or plankton. Many Moonlight Gouramis are maintained nicely on freeze-dried or flake food. Breeding Moonlight Gouramis may be sexed by appearance. Males have longer, more pointed dorsal fins than females, and bright orange-red colored feelers. Also, males tend to have orange-red pectoral fins, and those of females are usually yellow. To encourage Moonlight Gouramis to breed, you should keep them at a temperature of about 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and provide them with finely leaved plants on which they may base their bubble nests. Because they are bubble nest builders, the water level will need to be gradually dropped. The male Moonlight Gouramis build these bubble nests, and they may destroy the plants through this process. Fry are often fed on an infusoria made from lettuce and banana peels.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

The Moonlight Gourami is a beautiful fish that can add a complimentary hint of soft silver coloring to your freshwater tank. Moonlight Gouramis use the long feelers on the undersides of their bodies in order to feel new items or new fish in their aquariums. They are often kept with other fish, and can make good tank mates for similarly sized species. However, some may show some aggression. Moonlight Gouramis may eat smaller fish, so it is not a good idea to house them with smaller species. Some are timid, and may not eat if they perceive that you are watching them.

Origin

Southeast Asia

History

Wild Moonlight Gouramis are found in Thailand and Cambodia, where they are found in slow-moving waters. They are quite popular in captivity.

Common Foods

Moonlight Gouramis may eat smaller fish