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The Latin name for Pearl Gourami sounds like Trichopodus leerii. This aquarium dweller combines grace and beauty. The male, when spawning, looks irresistible, striking in its beauty. It acquires an exceptionally bright red color, which can be compared to a glowing scarlet poppy.
This representative takes a worthy place in the collection of the aquarium world and is its real decoration. This unpretentious representative of ichthyofauna will decorate the aquarium of both a beginner and an experienced aquarist.
The simplicity of maintenance and care has led to the widespread popularity of this representative. Fans of aquarium content are showing more and more interest in it.
This fish belongs to the labyrinth species and differs from its counterparts in that it is able to use atmospheric oxygen for breathing. However, it is quite well prepared for the absorption of oxygen dissolved in water. The natural living conditions of these fish are quite complex, therefore nature itself introduced a labyrinth apparatus into its structure. With his help, this representative breathes the oxygen that is in the air. She is not afraid of the harsh conditions in which she adapted to survive.
A characteristic feature of this representative of the ichthyofauna is the cultivation of their fry in the foam. From it they build a nest for them. It remains incomprehensible and unexplored that circumstance in which the fish makes very strange sounds when it spawns.
This excellent fish is easily surrounded by various other representatives of the fish kingdom. A sexually mature individual is more than 10 cm long. Female individuals are more modest in length. These representatives have a long lifespan. Some attribute to them certain attributes of the mind. They believe that gourams are capable of recognizing who feeds them constantly.
This representative is relatively large, but, despite this, has a peaceful disposition. They behave very calmly, but, being in a common capacity, show some timidity. The container for the maintenance of these species is densely planted with vegetation. But do not forget to leave a place for the free movement of fish.
The first mention of these species appeared in 1852. They come from the Asian continent. It was from there that their subsequent distribution went.
In nature, these representatives were so few that they had to be listed in the Red Book. This species is threatened with complete extinction. In some places on our planet, they completely disappeared. First of all, this is due to environmental degradation and environmental pollution. “Natural individuals” on sale can now be found extremely rarely. Basically they sell those representatives that are grown in various fisheries in captivity.
Natural habitats are low-lying bodies of water in which acidic water is present. Fish loves places where there is rich vegetation. Insects and larvae are used in food. Hunting for insects flying over water is one of the features of these fish. The hunting process itself is very interesting. Gurami knocks down an insect with a stream of water, which releases in his direction. Before this, the gurus patiently and carefully observe the prey.
General characteristics
The fish has an elongated body shape. From the sides it is a little compressed. Especially males have this severity. The shape of the fins is filiform, with high sensitivity. They feel literally everything that surrounds her.The body has a reddish-brown color. There are dots on the aphids. That is why it is called that.
In nature, fish is slightly larger than when kept in captivity. If the fish is well looked after, then it can live up to 8 years.
Under natural conditions, gourami is located in the middle of the waters and on their surface.
Juveniles are placed in a capacity of 50 liters. This volume is quite enough for her. For adults, a more spacious "room" is needed. The capacity of the aquarium should be at least 100 liters.
Complexity of content
Gourami pearl is extremely unpretentious. Therefore, it is quite suitable for those who are just starting to engage in such an exciting event. In various conditions it has a good adaptation. It feeds on any food. It may well be fed by hydra, which accidentally fell into his food for food.
Nutrition principles
In the natural environment, gourams feed on various material of animal origin. With artificial content it eats various types of feed. Additionally, live or frozen food can be used. It can be a bloodworm or tubule, artemia. They eat absolutely everything, but because of the small mouth of the feed, large volumes cannot be swallowed.
Gourams are able to eat even hydra. This small intestinal creature contains poison in its tentacles. Being in the same container along with other representatives of the fishing kingdom, the fry and small fish can become the object of its hunting.
Among other representatives of this species of fish by gourami, pearl has the most pronounced unpretentiousness. They do not present any special requirements for the maintenance and require only the presence of standard care conditions. The fry is quietly located in a capacity of 50 liters. Adults require more space.
The main condition is the coincidence of the temperature parameters of the water and the room. If there is a significant difference, then this can lead to damage to the labyrinth apparatus by the gourami. Requires the presence of warm water in the aquarium. Fish negatively react to cold water. Still, this representative comes from warm countries.
It is highly desirable to carry out filtration, but the absence of a strong current is more important. Fish just can't stand it. What will be the soil - does not matter. It matters more aesthetically. Fish look great against a background of dark soil. Such a contrast will look very impressive in appearance.
There should be many plants inside the aquarium. It is necessary that they float on the surface. This is due to the fact that the fish are not supporters of a bright color. Since they are a little timid, they don’t need a bright color. The lower limit of water temperature is 24 degrees. But it is not worth raising the temperature above 28 degrees. pH should be in the range of 6.5-8.5.
It would be very appropriate if the owner of the aquarium builds various shelters, which can be driftwood, clay shards, or something else.
Compatibility Examples
The fish is distinguished by a pronounced peaceful character. She remains calm even during spawning. This favorably distinguishes her among other representatives of the gourami. They show pronounced timidity until they fully take root. They behave as calmly even when they are feeding. It is important to ensure that they, as well as others, are fully fed.
The best option would be if the same peaceful fish are next to it. It is better if they are fish of the same size. It should be remembered that some gurus are aggressive towards their closest brothers. Just a wonderful neighbor will be a sklyaria. Of course, it is allowed to keep them together with a cock, but it is extremely undesirable, mindful of its pugnacious character.
The proximity to large krill is perfectly acceptable. But it is impossible to keep close to small specimens, as they will be regarded as fodder. It’s better to remove them from sin, as they say.
Gender differences
The male is distinctly different from the females. A distinction is not difficult at all. First of all, these are the sizes. In size, males are significantly larger than female representatives. The second distinguishing feature is a brighter coloration of males. The female, when viewed externally, seems more complete than the male.
A characteristic distinguishing feature of spawning is the scarlet saturated color of the male’s abdomen.
Breeding rules
Reproduction is quite simple and does not constitute anything remarkable. The appearance of the male during the spawning period is extremely delightful. He demonstrates the brightness of his coloring and scarlet belly. Often during the spawning period, males arrange real battles with the warring parties. Watching this is akin to a pageant. Representatives for a short period of time interlock with their mouths (kissing gourami). For a while, they are simply facing each other.
In the preceding spawning period, the couple is intensively fed with live food. The female swells right before her eyes. Steam is deposited in a separate spacious container. The temperature of the spawning water should not be lower than 28 degrees. It is necessary that plants float on the water. Fish will use them to build a nest. The volume of liquid in the aquarium during spawning is artificially reduced.
The construction of the nest is carried out by the male. Then, mating games begin in full. At this time, the peace of the fish is carefully guarded. Nothing should bother them. The gallant gentleman in every possible way courtes the female. Then he tries to hug her, while squeezing the caviar. After that, he seeds it. Eggs gradually float to the surface as they are lighter than water. By the male she carefully catches and returns back to the nest.
The water in the aquarium must be constantly aerated little by little. This is done until the complete formation of the labyrinth apparatus. After that, he already independently floats to the surface of the water in order to breathe air. From now on, the water level in the aquarium can be increased. Aeration is minimized or shut off altogether.
The growth of the fry is very fast, but uneven. Some representatives grow quickly, while others grow slowly. In this regard, there is a threat of cannibalism. To avoid this, a careful sorting of the fry is carried out. On this, in fact, the reproduction process ends.
In conclusion, it should be said that the maintenance and breeding of such a species as pearl gourami is quite accessible to both experienced and novice holder of the aquarium. This possibility is due to the lack of difficulty in caring for them.
Video: breeding pearl gourami
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