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Blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) — Osphronemidae

Blue gourami

Trichopodus trichopterus
Family: Osphronemidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The three spot gourami is a labyrinth fish (family Osphronemidae) of Southeast Asia. The species reaches about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery-bluish body with two dark spots on the flank that, counting the eye, form the 'three spots'. The pelvic fins are modified into long feeler-threads. It inhabits lowland marshes, wetlands and canals with abundant aquatic plants and can gulp air with a labyrinth organ. Its diet is broad. Males build a bubble nest and guard the brood. The species is a very popular aquarium fish and has been introduced outside its native range.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue gourami?

The Blue gourami has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blue gourami live?

The Blue gourami lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blue gourami get?

The Blue gourami grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Blue gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue gourami is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue gourami edible?

The Blue gourami is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Driepunt-goerami sourced
English name
Blue gourami verified
Scientific name
Trichopodus trichopterus
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Blue gourami; Cosby gourami; Giant gouramy; Gold gourami verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Trichopodus

More from the family Osphronemidae

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