Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis vittata)

The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful, calm little fish, ideal for small planted tanks. These are delicate fish, however, and even though it is easy to keep, the water parameters need to be watched closely, and plenty of hiding spots is ideal as they can be quite shy.

In contrast to other fish, these Gouramis take in oxygen straight from the air through a special labyrinth breathing organ.

The Sparkling Gourami's body glistens with green, red and blue tones and its eyes appear bright blue in the correct light. When they swim, their arrowhead-shaped bodies and caudal fins reflect a rainbow of colours. In addition, using a specialised pectoral mechanism, the Sparkling Gourami can produce a clear croaking sound.

Photos

Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Sparkling Gourami will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.

Tank Mates

1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Sparkling Gourami could include: