Thick-Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) Breeding Guide

Breeding Trichogaster labiosa: separate-sex conditioning, a shallow tightly covered spawning tank, the anabantoid embrace, 500-1000 eggs and male nest care to free-swimming fry.

Overview

Trichogaster labiosa is known only from southern Myanmar and reaches about 10 cm standard length. It is a bubble nester best kept around 22-27 °C and pH 6.0-7.5, and is a labyrinth fish, so the fry need access to a layer of warm humid air.

Sexing

The male is the larger, more colourful sex, and mature specimens develop slightly pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Conditioning

Keep the sexes apart in the few weeks leading up to a spawning attempt and feed them with plenty of live and frozen foods during this period to bring them into condition.

Breeding Setup

Use a dedicated spawning tank with shallow water, no more than 15-20 cm deep, including abundant floating plants and fine-leaved vegetation as cover for the female. Minimise water movement, using only a gentle air-powered sponge filter or none, and fit the tightest cover available so the fry have access to warm humid air.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The male builds a bubble nest, and spawning occurs under the nest in the typical anabantoid embrace, the male wrapping his body around his mate. Between 500 and 1000 eggs are produced per spawn.

Egg & Fry Care

The male guards and tends the nest until the eggs hatch in 24-36 hours, then continues to attend them until the fry are free-swimming after a further 2-3 days. Offer infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week, after which the fry are large enough to accept brine shrimp nauplii, microworm and powdered flake.

Common Challenges

Maintaining the warm, humid air layer above the water with a tight cover is essential for fry survival, and water movement must stay minimal so the nest is not destroyed. Removing the female once spawning is finished avoids harassment by the guarding male.