Gouramis, or gouramies/ɡʊˈrɑːmi/, are a group of freshwater anabantiform fishes that comprise the family Osphronemidae. The fish are native to Asia—from Pakistan and India to the Malay Archipelago and northeasterly towards Korea. The name "gourami", of Javanese origin, is also used for fish of the families Helostomatidae and Anabantidae.
Many gouramis have an elongated, feeler-like ray at the front of each of their pelvic fins. All living species show parental care: some are mouthbrooders, and others, like the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), build bubble nests. Currently, about 133 species are recognised, placed in four subfamilies and about 15 genera.
The name Polyacanthidae has also been used for this family. Some fish now classified as gouramis were previously placed in family Anabantidae. The subfamily Belontiinae was recently demoted from the family Belontiidae. As labyrinth fishes, gouramis have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to gulp air and use atmospheric oxygen. This organ is a vital innovation for fish that often inhabit warm, shallow, oxygen-poor water.
The common name moonlight gourami describes this peaceful labyrinth fish quite well. Its body is silver-colored with a slightly greenish hue that is not unlike the soft glow of moonlight. Like all labyrinth fish, Trichogaster microlepis has a special organ that allows it to breathe air directly. Because of this labyrinth organ, it is not unusual to see it go to the surface to gulp air.
Kissing gouramis, also known as kissing fish or kissers, are medium-sized tropical freshwater fish comprising the monotypic labyrinth fish family Helostomatidae. These fish originate from Thailand to Indonesia. They can be food fish which are farmed in their native Southeast Asia.
Kissing gouramis, also known as kissing fish or kissers, are medium-sized tropical freshwater fish comprising the monotypic labyrinth fish family Helostomatidae. These fish originate from Thailand to Indonesia. They can be food fish which are farmed in their native Southeast Asia.
The snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectorali), is a large labyrinth fish, that despite its size is a highly sought after community fish. It was originally native to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, but in recent years it has spread to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, India and the Philippines.
The Cosby Gourami is a variant of the Golden Gourami originate from Southeast Asia are a very peaceful community fish. Best kept with fish that are of similar size, but they can also be kept with smaller schooling type fish. Males are best kept with 2-3 females.
Adult size up to 12cm
The Cosby Gourami is a variant of the Golden Gourami originate from Southeast Asia are a very peaceful community fish. Best kept with fish that are of similar size, but they can also be kept with smaller schooling type fish. Males are best kept with 2-3 females.
Adult size up to 12cm
The Gold Gourami makes excellent community fish with others of the same size, but their temperament becomes more aggressive as they achieve adulthood. Because they are exceptionally hardy and long-lived, they make an excellent fish for the beginner aquarist.