Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

4.2.20 Trichogastr trichopterus

4.2.20 Trichogaster trichopterus

Family: Anabantidae

Genus: Trichogaster

English name: Three – spot Gourami

Origin: South Vietnam, Thailand, Malaya

Size: Maximum 15 cm in the wild but remains considerably smaller in captivity and is sexually mature at 8-10 cm

Habitat: Found in jungle streams.

Shape,coloring and markings:

The body is deep and laterally only slightly compressed. T.trichopterus closely resembles T.leeri but it is more powerfully built and has a deeper body. The basic coloration varies according to where the fish is found. The most common variety is a silvery blue, with a darker or bluish green back and an off-white or very shiny silvery belly. Two striking dark marks, sometimes with a light edge, lie on the flanks: the first is directly below the center of the dorsal fin, the second on the caudal peduncle. Some specimens have about 20 irregular transverse bands, but these are uncommon. The fins vary from green to grey: the anal, dorsal and caudal fins have white, yellowish or even orange patches and stripes.

Females have a short rounded dorsal fin.

Males are as described above. The dorsal fin is more pointed.