Banded Gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) Care Guide
Trichogaster fasciata is a South Asian labyrinth fish with diagonal blue and orange bands, larger and more boisterous than dwarf gouramis and a bubble-nest builder.
Overview
Trichogaster fasciata, the banded gourami, is a labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae marked with diagonal blue and orange bands. It is larger and more boisterous than its dwarf relatives. The species was described by Bloch & Schneider in 1801 and is widely exported for the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Trichogaster
- Scientific name: Trichogaster fasciata
- Described by: Bloch & Schneider, 1801
- Common synonyms: Colisa fasciata
Habitat
The species is distributed across South Asia, including Bangladesh, eastern and northeastern India, Nepal, upper Myanmar, China and Pakistan. It favours vegetated waters such as estuaries, ponds, large rivers, ditches, lakes and rice fields. Like other anabantoids it breathes air using paired supra-branchial labyrinth organs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
A planted aquarium with surface cover and gentle flow suits this fish. Males reach about 10 cm total length, while females mature at roughly 6-8 cm.
Diet
Trichogaster fasciata is an omnivore that accepts live, frozen and flake foods. A varied diet including small invertebrate foods and vegetable matter supports condition.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive mid-water species mixes with larger tetras and loaches. Long-finned fish and small nano fish should be avoided, as the gourami can be assertive at feeding and during breeding.
Breeding
The banded gourami is a bubble-nest builder with external fertilisation. The male constructs a surface nest and tends the eggs after spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (2010). The species is widespread across its South Asian range.