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Croaking Gourami - (No Online Purchases)

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The Croaking Gourami, scientifically known as Trichopsis vittata, is a fascinating and relatively small freshwater fish that gets its name from the distinct croaking or clicking sounds the males produce, especially during courtship or when feeling threatened. 

Appearance:

  • They have an elongated, slender body shape typical of gouramis.
  • Their base colour is usually a silvery-brown to olive green, often with a dark horizontal stripe running along their flanks.
  • They can display iridescent blue or green spangles along their sides, which become more pronounced during breeding.
  • Their fins are delicate and somewhat elongated. The pelvic fins are modified into long, thread-like feelers, characteristic of gouramis, which they use to explore their environment.
  • Males are generally more colourful and have more extended fins than females.

Size:

  • Croaking Gouramis are relatively small, typically reaching a maximum size of around 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches).

Tank Requirements:

  • A tank of at least 40-60 liters (10-15 gallons) is recommended for a small group. A longer tank is preferable as they are active swimmers.
  • The tank should be well-planted with fine-leaved plants and floating plants to provide hiding places and mimic their natural environment. They appreciate shaded areas.
  • A dark substrate can help to enhance their colours and make them feel more secure.
  • Gentle filtration is essential as they prefer calm waters. Avoid strong currents.
  • A tight-fitting lid is important as gouramis are labyrinth breathers and need access to the surface to breathe air. The air above the water should also be humid and similar in temperature to the water to avoid shocking their labyrinth organ.

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). You will need a heater during cooler months to maintain a stable temperature.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal).
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water (50-150 ppm or 3-8 dGH) is best. While they can adapt to slightly harder water, softer water often brings out their colours more vibrantly. You might want to check your local tap water parameters in Caboolture.

Temperament and Tank Mates:

  • Croaking Gouramis are generally peaceful and can be a bit shy.
  • They do best in a peaceful community tank with other small, non-aggressive fish.
  • Suitable tank mates include:
    • Small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras)
    • Small rasboras
    • Dwarf Corydoras
    • Peaceful bottom dwellers like Otocinclus
    • Small, peaceful barbs
  • Avoid housing them with larger, boisterous, or fin-nipping fish that could stress or intimidate them.

Diet:

  • They are omnivores and will accept a varied diet. Offer a high-quality crushed flake food or small pellets as their staple diet, supplemented with small live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. They also appreciate small vegetable matter.

The "Croaking" Sound:

  • The distinct clicking or croaking sounds are produced primarily by males using specialized pectoral fin tendons.
  • This sound is often heard during courtship displays as males try to attract females, or when they are establishing territory or feeling threatened.
  • You might not hear them frequently, but it's a fascinating behaviour unique to this species.

Breeding:

  • Breeding Croaking Gouramis is possible in a home aquarium.
  • A separate breeding tank with shallow water, dense floating plants, and soft, slightly acidic water is recommended.
  • The male will build a small bubble nest at the surface.
  • The pair will spawn beneath the nest, and the male will carefully place the fertilized eggs into the bubbles.
  • The male takes on the primary role of guarding the nest and the eggs.
  • The female should be removed after spawning to prevent potential aggression from the male.
  • The fry hatch in about 24-36 hours and are very small, initially requiring infusoria or liquid fry food, followed by newly hatched baby brine shrimp.

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