R.A.S. Fins & Friends

Gold Gourami

By Sharalee Schneider

In researching for this article, the information I found indicates that the gold gourami is not found in the wild. There is also some controversy surrounding the exact origin of this pretty fish.

The gold gourami grows to 5 inches. It is a light gold with black patterning across the body. Males have longer, more pointed anal and dorsal fin. Females have more rounded bellies.

Breeding this fish is not difficult, although it is best to use a larger tank because of the number of fry.

I start by filling a bare bottom tank about 6 inches high and placing a submersible heater horizontally an the bottom. Then I put in between 25?30 watersprite plants (floating) as the male can be aggressive.

When the tank is about 88 degrees I stick the female in the tank first, so she can get to know her new surroundings. I then put the male in and he almost immediately builds a bubble nest. He coaxes the female over and after a few failed attempts the spawning begins. Up to 2000 eggs are in a single spawning. The male takes care of the eggs and fry until they become free swimming, about four days from the day they spawn. I fed the fry infusoria for four days then powdered food for another week. The fry grow quickly and are ready for brine shrimp at about 2 weeks old.

I do weekly water changes of about 30% by siphoning out the water through an airstone (this prevents sucking up the fry). It's a slow process, but it works.

I keep my tank tightly covered, as to not damage the developing labyrinth of the fry. I also leave the fluorescent light on 24 hours.

I found this fish to be fun and interesting to breed and raise, its graceful movements attractive color make it and excellent addition to any community tank.