Opaline Gourami

Opaline Gourami

Facts - Information - Picture - Video

Profile of the Opaline Gourami
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Opaline Gourami species.

• Size: Up to 15cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp 26-27 Degrees PH 6.6-6.8

• Diet / Feeding: Bloodworms, Algae based dried foods, Brine Shrimp

• Temperament: Male Gourami's can be aggressive towards smaller fish

• Behaviour: They are territorial fish and are known as'fin nippers'

• Range: Mekong basin, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

Scientific Classification of the Opaline Gourami
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Trichogaster trichopterus

• Popular Name: Opaline Gourami

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family:Osphronemidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Opaline Gourami?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist! Male Gouramis have long pointed dorsal and anal fins while females have shorter and more rounded anal and dorsal fins.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Opaline Gourami slimy?
Opaline Gourami secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Opaline Gourami to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Opaline Gourami have gills?
Gills enable the Opaline Gourami to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Opaline Gourami have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Opaline Gourami has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Opaline Gourami has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Opaline Gourami has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Opaline Gourami has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Opaline Gourami