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Moonlight Gourami

Moonbeam Gourami Family: Osphronemidae

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Trichogaster microlepis Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Although the temperament of the Moonlight Gourami is often debated, one thing aquarists can agree on is the intoxicating beauty of this fish!

   Like many Labyrinth fish, aquarists just can’t agree about the disposition of the moonlight gourami. Individuals of this species are for the most part super mellow and timid, but some are boisterous and cantankerous. Few fall somewhere in between. Careful observation at the fish store may give you a clue as to which personality type you’ve got. Most people learn to love theirs, either way.

   Moonlight is right! The Moonlight Gourami or Moonbeam Gourami is covered with an even silvery sheen tinted with a pastel green iridescence. This fish is quite stunning, even more so as it ages. It is capable of achieving 7 inches in length, and makes quite an impact in a well thought out tank.

   Moonlight gouramis have developed a love hate relationship with aquarium plants. So even though plants are to their liking and make them comfortable, they will tend to chew on them. The best plants are sturdy varieties such as Java Fern or Rosette Plant varieties like the vallisnerias and anubias species.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Moonlight Gourami or Moonbeam Gourami was described by Günther in1861. They inhabit shallow densely vegetated pools in South East Asia. It is sometimes eaten by the locals, (this is definitely not advisable for the home aquarist!).

Status:
   These fish are not endangered.

Description:
   The Moonlight Gourami has a compressed, rather elongated body covered with an even silvery sheen tinted with a pastel green iridescence on the back. One of its most notable characteristics are its ventral fins. They are very long filaments, longer than those of any other gourami species.
   Like all other gouramis they can breath air, generally gulping it at the water's surface. They have a special 'labyrinth organ' which acts like a lung which enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. There are currently no varieties of this species.

Size - Weight:
   This fish is capable of 7 inches (18 cm) in a large tank, but generally only reaches about 5 or 6 inches (12-15cm).

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivores, the Moonlight Gourami will usually happily eat prepared and live foods. They particularly enjoy chasing after live worms (blood or tubifex). Be sure a substantial part of the diet if high quality flake food to meet their vitamin requirements.
   Hiding places will give your Moonlight Gourami an additional sense of security. But though a planted aquarium makes them comfortable, they tend to abuse their plants. Albeit they are far from leaving a trail of shredded plants in their wake, this is simply not a fish for those striving for planted perfection. A good compromise is to plant heavily with sturdy plants such as such as Java Fern or Rosette Plant varieties like vallisnerias and anubias species.
   Juveniles can be easily housed in a 20 - 25 gallon aquarium, but as these fish grow to adult size they will need more space, 40+ gallons. This fish will be bothered by a strong current in the tank, especially if the tank is small. Being on top of your tank maintenance is very important for these fish to be at their best. If the Moonlight Gourami is spending a lot of time at the surface gulping air, you are overdue for a water change.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Moonlight Gourami will usually inhabit the middle regions or the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   These fish are very willing to adapt to most water conditions, as long as the conditions remain stable
   Temperature: 77-86° F (25-30° C)
   Hardness: 2-25° dH
   Ph: 6.0-7.8

Social Behaviors:
   Rouge individuals aside, the Moonlight Gouramis are generally good community fish. They may become territorial with age, particularly with other gouramis. They also need many hiding places to keep them comfortable. Female moonlight gouramis are usually more sedate than males. Fin nippers must be excluded from all tanks that house gouramis, as fin nippers just can’t resist their trailing pelvic fins.

Sexual Differences:
   The male’s pelvic fins will be flushed with a reddish orange, where as the females will have yellow pelvic fins. The dorsal and pelvic fins of the males will also be longer.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Like most fish in this family, the Moonlight Gourami are bubble nest builders. Breeding is rather difficult but far from impossible. The male must be able to build a bubble nest, so tank current must be absent. The two will spawn and eggs will be deposited in the nest. The male will chase off any fish that approach, including the female. Fry will soon emerge and must be kept on fry food until they can swallow flakes. See the description of how to breed labyrinth fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:
   The Moonlight Gourami is readily available in stores and occasionally online. Cost is generally $3 - $10 USD for juveniles, more for adults.

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Author: "Yvonne"
Additional Information: Clarice Brough. CFS.