Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis) Care Guide

A large, peaceful gourami with a beautiful silver-green iridescence that glows under aquarium lighting, reminiscent of moonlight. Males have orange-red pelvic fins.

Overview

Trichopodus microlepis is a species in the family Osphronemidae. A large, peaceful gourami with a beautiful silver-green iridescence that glows under aquarium lighting, reminiscent of moonlight. Males have orange-red pelvic fins. One of the more calm and gentle gourami species, ideal for large planted community tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Trichopodus
Scientific name: Trichopodus microlepis
Origin: Southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia

Habitat

Native to the Mekong basin and Chao Phraya basin of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Inhabits slow-moving and standing lowland waters with dense vegetation. Distinguished by silvery body and long, thread-like pelvic fins; a bubble-nesting labyrinth fish.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 25-30 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 2-15 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 10-15 cm
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: top
Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Large Tetras, Angelfish, Bristlenose Pleco
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Small Nano Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: bubble-nester
Breeding difficulty: intermediate