Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata)

Origin

The Croaking Gourami, also known as the Vitta Gourami, is found in Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, in the Mekong Basin. Slow-moving or stagnant bodies of water, such as swamps, rice paddies, and canals, have been known to be home to the species. The species is thought to have gotten its name from its distinctive croaking sound when attracting a mate or defending its territory. 

Appearance & Size

The Croaking Gourami has an eye-catching appearance that differentiates it from other fish species. It has a long, slender body that is compressed laterally, giving it a disc-like shape. The species is green or blue, with red, orange, or yellow accents on its fins and tail.

The Croaking Gourami’s large, bulging eyes set high on its head are one of its most distinguishing features. This gives the species a cartoon-like appearance and a broad field of vision, allowing it to spot potential predators or mates from afar.

The Croaking Gourami is a relatively small fish species, growing to a maximum length of 5-7 cm. This compact size makes it an ideal choice for aquarists with limited space, as it does not require a large aquarium to thrive.

Genders

Males and females of the Croaking Gourami can be easily distinguished by their appearance. Males have longer fins and brighter accent colors on their fins and tail, and they are generally more vibrant and colorful. Females have shorter fins and are more drab in color. While males are more colorful and eye-catching, females are just as tough and active as their male counterparts. 

Behavior

The Croaking Gourami is known for its active and curious behavior. This species is a strong swimmer and loves to explore its surroundings. 

The Croaking Gourami is also known for its unique eponymous behavior. As its name suggests, the species produces a distinctive “croaking” sound, which can be heard when the fish is excited or stressed.

Tankmates for Croaking Gourami

When choosing tankmates for your Croaking Gourami, it is important to consider the species’ peaceful and social nature. 

Here are some good tankmates for the Croaking Gourami:

• Tetras
• Guppies
• Platies
• Mollies
• Swordtails
• Danios
• Shrimp

Tank conditions

When it comes to tank conditions, the Croaking Gourami is a tough species that can adapt to a variety of conditions. However, providing the proper conditions to ensure your fish’s health and well-being is critical.

A single Croaking Gourami requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons, with larger tanks preferable for a community of multiple fish. A healthy environment for your fish also requires proper filtration and regular water changes.

When it comes to water parameters, the Croaking Gourami can tolerate pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 and water hardness ranging from soft to moderate. The species also enjoy open swimming space, so balancing planted areas and open water is important.

Diet

The Croaking Gourami is an omnivore that requires a varied diet to maintain health and well-being. The Croaking Gourami feeds on various small insects, zooplankton, and plant material in the wild.

A diet rich in both protein and vegetable matter should be provided in the aquarium. A high-quality, balanced commercial food, such as flakes or pellets, should form the foundation of the diet, but live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms, can be supplemented. Vegetables such as spinach or lettuce can also be included in the diet.

Overfeeding your Croaking Gourami can cause health problems and hurt water quality. Instead of one large feeding, feed your fish small, frequent meals. Examine your fish’s behavior and body condition to ensure it gets enough food.

Breeding

Breeding the Croaking Gourami can be a challenging but rewarding experience for the intermediate fish keeper. These fish are known for being mouthbrooders, with the female carrying the eggs and fry in her mouth for protection.

Providing a suitable breeding environment is important to breeding successfully. A separate breeding tank should be set up with water conditions similar to the main tank. Add plants, such as Java Moss, to the breeding tank to provide cover and a place for the fry to hide. The breeding process begins with the male building a nest at the water’s surface. The male will then display courtship behavior to entice the female to lay her eggs. 

Removing the male from the breeding tank once the eggs have been fertilized is important, as he may become aggressive towards the female and fry. The female will carry the eggs and fry in her mouth for approximately three to four weeks, after which the fry will be released and able to swim freely.

Diseases

Like all fish, Croaking Gouramis are susceptible to various diseases, including Ich, fin rot, swim bladder disorder, and parasitic infections. Maintaining good water quality and hygiene in the tank is critical to prevent these diseases from affecting your fish.

Regular water testing and a well-balanced diet can also help to keep your Croaking Gourami healthy. If you notice any changes in your fish’s behavior or physical appearance, it is best to isolate the affected fish and consult a veterinarian.