Gourami

Gourami is the collective name of fish belonging to the families Macropods (scientific Osphronemidae), Crawlers or Anabassids (scientific Anabantidae) and Helestomoves (scientific Helostomatidae). The word “gourami” itself is of Javanese origin and loosely translated means “a fish sticking its nose out of the water.” Widespread in Southeast Asia and the Hindustan Peninsula. They inhabit small, well-heated reservoirs, rich in aquatic vegetation, but very poor in oxygen.

Description

All types are similar to each other. They have large laterally compressed, dorsal and anal fins stretching from head to tail. The pelvic fins are modified and resemble thin threads. They are dotted with sensitive receptors with which the fish explores the surrounding space. In nature, they help to navigate among dense thickets of plants.

Behavior

Calm peace-loving fish, but this primarily applies to females. Males are not very friendly to each other. During the breeding season or in conditions of lack of space (overcrowding of the aquarium), aggression is possible, and in relation to other species too. Therefore, the most acceptable option is keeping in a spacious aquarium in the ratio of one male to several females.

It is worth noting that some species, such as Macropods, are extremely warlike and are usually kept alone.

Content

They are easy to keep, do not require special conditions, perfectly adapt to a wide range of pH and dGH values, and can successfully adapt to life in a semi-empty aquarium. The labyrinth organ makes them quite hardy, so the fish can “forgive” some omissions on the part of the aquarist, such as irregular cleaning of the aquarium and reducing the water quality to a level unacceptable for most other fish. But before that, of course, it is better not to bring it.

Breeding

During the breeding season, males build special foam-air nests of air bubbles and various debris (pieces of plants), where fertilized eggs are later placed. Females do not take part in caring for offspring; all responsibility for laying lies with the male. He guards her until the fry appear and begin to swim freely, from this moment the parental instincts weaken and the male swims away.