Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis) > Quick Stats Scientific Name: Trichogaster microlepis Family: Belondidae Origin: S.E. Asia Adult Size: 6" Social: Community Fish Lifespan: 5 years Tank Level: Top, Mid dweller Diet: Regular Fish foods Breeding: Egglayer - Bubblenest Care: Beginner pH: 6.8 - 7.8 Hardenss: 4.0 - 10.0 dGH Temperature: 77-84 F (25-29 C) Availability: Somewhat available.

General Information:
The Moonbeam Gourami is a recent import, although it is certainly not new to science. They are very similar in their requirements to the Pearl Gourami, except that they are less subject to the fungus which often plagues T. leeri, and they donīt have to be as big (comparatively) before they begin to breed.

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Compatibility:
They are very peaceful and relatively shy. A timid and peaceful fish that may eat smaller fish. Mix with the same size fish. Live plants may be nibbled on but will not be destroyed. Live plants mat be nibbled on but will not be destroyed. Once they reach maturity, male moonlights become very aggressive and territorial.

Sexing:
Males are a bit more colorful than females and have a slightly elongated dorsal fin. Pelvic fins of males may show orangish-redish colour, in females it's yellow.

Breeding/Spawning: They use plant matter to make their nests, so if you don't mind leaves that look like they were attacked with a hole puncher, go for it! The male builds a large bubble nest, which is not very high in form; not much vegetable matter is woven into this nest, and the bubbles are allowed to float rather freely. During spawning, the colour of the thread-like ventral fins becomes intensified, changing for a short time from orange to red. For best results in breeding, the water depth in the breeding tank should be low, and floating plants should be present to give the fish a feeling of security. The female should also be provided with a thicket of fine-leaved plants into which she may flee if the male shows too much aggressiveness. Coloration: The Moonlight gourami is almost devoid of color, especially with its clear fins. Over-all body colour silvery, with bluish sheen. The dark spot at the base of the caudal fin is only seen in juveniles. In older fish it's no longer present. Full grown fish have a blueish iridescent glow. Maintenance: A well rounded diet is important, otherwise the fish will die early in life. The fish are a bit shy, and should not be kept with vey robust fish.  Gouramis  Betta species  Paradise Fish The Essentials Related Web Links Photo Gallery of Anabantids Anabantids Forum Discussion External Web Resources   Anabantids @ Aquabid.com   Bettas @ Aquabid.com   Breeding Gourami   Iridovirus in Gourami   Betta Fish Vase Advise   Breeding Bettas

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 Gouramis Common Species Care Sheet - (PETCO.com)

Follow the above recommendations and you should have a joyful Gouramis experience. Send any questions, comments or pictures to Ask An Expert If you are interested in helping out visit our contributions page.

Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.com Andrews, C. 1986 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Fish Breeding. Salamander, London. 117 pp., color illus.
Boggs, Sallie S. 1981. Mouthbrooding Bettas (Betta pugnans, B. picta, B. taeniata, B. brederi). FAMA 9/81.
Lucas, Gene A. 1987. Betta pugnax: Observations on a large mouthbrooding Betta. FAMA 3/87.
Mills, D. 1984 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Community Fishes. Tetra Press, Morris Plains, NJ. 117 pp., some color.
Pinter, H. 1986 Labyrinth Fish. Barron's, Woodbury, NY. 144 pp., some color illus.
Richter, Hans-Joachim 1988 Gouramis and Other Anabantoids. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 224 pp.er,
Vierke, J. 1986 Vierke's Aquarium Book. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 352 pp.
Vierke, J. 1988 Bettas, Gouramis and Other Anabantoids: Labyrinth Fishes of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 192 pp., color illus.