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Frail gourami (Ctenops nobilis) — Osphronemidae

Frail gourami

Ctenops nobilis
Family: Osphronemidae

The Frail gourami (Ctenops nobilis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, India

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Description

The frail gourami is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh and slightly brackish water of the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins in South Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, elongate, brownish body with a pointed head. Thanks to a labyrinth organ it can gulp air in oxygen-poor water. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Frail gourami?

The Frail gourami has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Frail gourami live?

The Frail gourami lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, India

How big does the Frail gourami get?

The Frail gourami grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Frail gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Frail gourami is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Frail gourami sourced
Scientific name
Ctenops nobilis
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Frail gourami; Indian paradisefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Osphronemidae

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