The article in brief
The pearl gourami, a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, captivates aquarists with its elegance. Here are the key points:
- Adult size 10 to 13 cm long
- Appearance Silver body with shiny spots
- Habitat Aquarium of at least 200 litres, temperature between 23 and 29°C
- Special features Labyrinth: Has a respiratory organ called the "labyrinth".
- Longevity Can live for more than 8 years with proper care
The pearl gourami is an exciting fish that has always captured the attention of aquarists. With its silvery body covered in small shiny spots, it adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium. But what often intrigues enthusiasts is its size when it reaches adulthood. Let's delve into the world of this magnificent inhabitant of the fresh waters of Southeast Asia.
Characteristics of adult pearl gourami
As a pet shop floor manager, I've seen many pearl gouramis over the years. This fish, whose scientific name is Trichopodus leeriireached a impressive adult size. A fully grown pearl gourami is generally between 10 and 13 cm long.
Here is a summary table of the main characteristics of adult pearl gourami:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Medium size | 12 cm |
| Maximum size | 13 cm |
| Service life | Over 8 years |
| Behaviour | Pacific, lives in small groups |
I've always been fascinated by the physical characteristics of this fish. Its silvery body, dotted with tiny sparkling spots, gives it a truly unique appearance. That's why it's known as the lace gourami or the mosaic gourami.
Sexual dimorphism
An interesting aspect of adult pearl gourami is sexual dimorphism. Males are distinguished by having a more pointed dorsal fin than females. This subtle difference can be hard to spot for the untrained eye, but with experience it becomes obvious.
The special respiratory organ
A fascinating feature of the pearl gourami is its auxiliary respiratory organ called the "labyrinth". This unique adaptation allows it to breathe atmospheric air in addition to the oxygen dissolved in the water. It's an ability that I've always found remarkable in these fish.
Ideal living conditions
The pearl gourami is native to the warm, fresh waters of Southeast Asia. It is found naturally in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. In its natural habitat, it frequents lakes, rivers and marshes.
To recreate optimal conditions in the aquarium, here are a few recommendations:
- Aquarium volume: minimum 200 litres
- Water temperature: between 23 and 29°C
- pH: 6 to 8
I remember one customer who installed a magnificent group of pearl gouramis in a 250-litre aquarium. The effect was stunning! The fish moved gracefully among the aquatic plants, reminiscent of their natural habitat.
Balanced diet
The pearl gourami is an omnivorous fish. In the wild, its diet consists of insects, larvae and plants. In the aquarium, it's important to vary its diet to maintain its health and good looks. Quality chaff and pellets form a good base, which can be supplemented with live or frozen food.
Social behaviour
Unlike some aquarium fish such as the telescope fishThe pearl gourami is a peaceful fish that likes to live in groups. In my years of experience, I've found that they often form small, harmonious groups in the aquarium. It's a truly soothing sight to watch.
Growth and reproduction
Pearl gourami grow relatively quickly. In just a few months, a young fish can reach adult size. However, it is vital to note that water quality, feeding and available space play a crucial role in their development.
The reproduction of these fish is an exciting process. The male builds a nest of bubbles on the surface of the water, where the female lays her eggs. It's a spectacle I've been lucky enough to observe on several occasions, and one that never ceases to amaze me.
Tips for optimum growth
To ensure that your pearl gouramis grow healthily until they are adult sizeHere are a few tips:
- Maintain impeccable water quality with regular water changes.
- Offer a varied, high-quality diet.
- Make sure the aquarium is large enough to allow them to develop to their full potential.
- Avoid overcrowding, which could stress the fish and hinder their growth.
By following these recommendations, you'll give your pearl gouramis every chance of reaching their full growth potential, just as the sail-tail goldfish which also require attentive care if they are to develop to their full potential.
All in all, the pearl gourami is a fascinating fish that can bring much joy to any aquarist. Its imposing adult size, combined with its peaceful behaviour and unique beauty, makes it an excellent choice for many community aquariums. With the right care and environment, these magnificent creatures can live for more than 8 years, providing many years of enjoyment for their owners.
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
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