Breeding Sparkling Gourami

Breeding Trichopsis pumila: a bubble-nesting labyrinth fish. Sexing via backlit ovaries, soft warm water, an embrace spawn, male-guarded nest and a 24-48 hour hatch.

Overview

The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila), also called the Pygmy Gourami, is a small labyrinth fish and a bubble-nester. The male builds the nest, and the KB record rates breeding difficulty as intermediate.

Sexing

Sexually mature males exhibit a more intense colour pattern and develop longer ventral, anal, dorsal and caudal fins than females. Mature fish can also be sexed by placing a strong light behind the body, when the ovaries of females are clearly visible below the swim bladder.

Breeding Setup

Use a separate breeding tank with the tightest-fitting cover available; some breeders use clingfilm to ensure no gaps, because the fry need access to a layer of warm, humid air to develop their labyrinth organ. The male may build the nest in a tube or canister, under a broad plant leaf, or among fine-leaved surface vegetation.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Spawning normally occurs beneath the nest in an embrace typical of osphronemids, with the male wrapping himself around the female. Eggs are released in clusters, which the male collects and transports to the bubble nest.

Egg & Fry Care

Eggs hatch within 24-48 hours. The male guards the nest and collects fallen eggs. Once the fry begin to swim freely the male loses interest, but the adults do not usually eat their offspring. The fry require infusoria-grade food for the first few days, after which they can accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii.

Common Challenges

Maintaining a layer of warm, humid air above the water is important for fry development, and the very small first foods needed by the fry make rearing demanding.