The article in brief
The balloon pearl gourami, a captivating tropical fish native to South-East Asia, raises ethical questions in aquarium keeping.
- Unique features Modest size, ability to breathe atmospheric air
- Specific needs Temperature 23-28°C, pH 6.8-7.2, minimum aquarium capacity 200L
- A varied diet : Omnivorelikes flakes, granules, freeze-dried foods and vegetables
- Ethics : Favour natural varieties over genetically modified "balloon" varieties
- Ideal habitat : Planted aquarium with shaded and free-swimming areas
Ah, the pearl gourami balloon ! An interesting fish that has never ceased to amaze me ever since I started out in the pet trade. Native to South-East Asia, this little aquatic jewel belongs to the Osphronemidae family. Let me tell you more about this finned companion that is the delight of so many passionate aquarists.
A tropical fish with unique characteristics
Pearl gourami, or Trichopodus leerii for scientists, is a real jewel of tropical freshwater. With its modest size of 12 to 13 cm, it is perfectly suited to our domestic aquariums. What fascinates me most about this fish is its ability to breathe atmospheric air thanks to its labyrinth organ. A real feat of nature!
Here is a small table summarising its vital needs:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23-28°C |
| pH | 6,8-7,2 |
| Minimum volume | 200L |
I've always been impressed by the social behaviour of these little creatures. They live in groups with a well-established hierarchy, while remaining generally peaceful. It's a real pleasure to watch them interact with each other!
A varied diet
As an omnivore, the pearl gourami is not difficult to feed. In the wild, they feast on a wide variety of foods. In the aquarium, I always recommend a varied diet to maintain their optimum health. Here are a few options:
- Quality flakes for tropical fish
- Specific granules for gouramis
- Freeze-dried food (daphnia, artemia)
- Blanched vegetables (spinach, courgettes)
Reproduction, a fascinating spectacle
Pearl gourami reproduction is a veritable aquatic ballet. The male, recognisable by his brighter colours and longer fins, builds a nest of bubbles on the surface of the water. It's a spectacle that I've been lucky enough to observe on several occasions and that never ceases to amaze me.
Responsible aquarium keeping: the case of the balloon gourami
As a keen aquarist, I have to talk about a subject close to my heart: the 'balloon' shape of the pearl gourami. This variety, the result of genetic selection, has a deformed body that may seem attractive at first glance. However, it is vital to understand the ethical implications of such practices.
The challenges of genetic selection
The balloon shape of the pearl gourami is the result of a genetic mutation that affects the fish's spine. Although some find this appearance 'cute', it can cause long-term health problems for these creatures. In France, the law even prohibits the breeding of these deformed forms, a decision I fully support.
Choosing animal welfare
I always advise my customers to opt for the natural varieties of pearl gourami. Not only are they more beautiful in my eyes, but they are also more robust and have a better quality of life. After all, our role as aquarists is to recreate a healthy and fulfilling environment for our scaly friends.
Creating the ideal habitat for your pearl gourami
Now that we've covered the ethical aspects, let's talk a little about aquarium maintenance for these magnificent fish. Believe me, with the right care, your pearl gourami will quickly become the star of your tank!
The right décor
To make your pearl gourami feel at home, think about recreating its natural habitat. Here are my recommendations:
- Plant your aquarium generously with broad-leaved species
- Add roots and driftwood to create shady areas
- Provide hiding places with rocks or hollowed-out coconuts
- Leave a free swimming area for them to move around
Don't forget that these fish particularly like calm water. A soft filter and floating plants will help create the perfect atmosphere.
Living together: a delicate art
The pearl gourami is generally peaceful, but can become slightly territorial. For a harmonious cohabitation, I suggest associating them with calm species of a similar size. Rasboras, tetras and corydoras make excellent tankmates.
Avoid fish that are too lively or aggressive, which could stress your gouramis. And above all, make sure your aquarium is big enough for each fish to have its own living space.
The pearl gourami, an ambassador for biodiversity
To sum up our dive into the world of the pearl gourami, I'd like to stress the importance of these fish in the aquatic ecosystem of South-East Asia. Their presence in the aquarium offers us a window on the rich biodiversity of these far-flung regions.
By looking after our pearl gouramis, we're helping to raise awareness of the need to preserve aquatic environments. It's a responsibility that I take very seriously in my day-to-day work in the pet shop.
Let's not forget that every fish in our aquariums is an ambassador for its species. By pampering them and sharing our knowledge, we are helping to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of aquatic life.
So, are you ready to welcome a pearl gourami into your aquarium? With the right care and lots of love, I can guarantee you hours of wonderment in front of this little jewel of tropical waters!
To find out more about fish farming, take a look at these additional resources:
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