Croaking gourami

Adult Croaking Gourami reach a length of about 7 cm. Their coloration is mainly gray or slightly brownish, with rows of dark horizontal stripes. Males differ from females by having larger and brighter fins, which have a light purple hue with burgundy speckles.

This species is widespread throughout Southeast Asia, found in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. A wild population has also been introduced in Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. The fish inhabits swampy bodies of water with extensive vegetation, where conditions are sometimes quite extreme, such as stagnant water with very low dissolved oxygen content. It can often be found in areas used for agriculture, such as rice paddies.

This peaceful and gregarious species coexists perfectly with other fish of similar size and temperament. Given its unpretentiousness regarding water conditions, the range of possible tank mates becomes quite extensive.

For keeping one or a pair of fish, the optimal aquarium volume is from 50 liters. The setup should ideally include dense thickets of rooted plants and clusters of floating plants, as well as many shelters—these can be snags or various decorative elements (e.g., sunken ships or castles). Any substrate will do. The aquarium equipment settings should take into account the fish's need for low light levels and the absence of strong internal currents. It is mandatory to have a tightly fitting lid over the tank to create a warm and humid air layer above the water surface, which is vital for the normal breathing of labyrinth fish. The Croaking Gourami is undemanding regarding water chemistry and feels excellent within a wide range of pH and dGH values.

The fish are undemanding about their diet: in a home aquarium, their diet can be based on any high-quality dry food (in flakes or granules) from a reliable manufacturer.

If there are no other fish in the aquarium, spawning can occur directly in the main tank. Otherwise, a separate, smaller aquarium will be needed, where the adult fish will be moved during the breeding period. It has been noted that a gradual reduction of the water level to 10–15 cm and an increase in temperature to 24–25°C stimulate spawning. After some time, the females' bellies become noticeably rounded, and the males begin to build a bubble nest among floating plants. Then the courtship period begins. The male swims near the female, displaying his fanned fins and tail; sometimes his “croaking” sounds can be heard, which also serve to attract potential partners. The Gourami produces these sounds using special structures in its pectoral fins, similar to the behavior of the African veiled Synodontis catfish. This feature is reflected in the species' name — “croaking.” Spawning itself is accompanied by peculiar “embraces,” during which several eggs and a portion of sperm are released each time; the total clutch can reach 200 eggs. Soon after, the female leaves the nest and no longer shows interest in her offspring. The male, on the contrary, behaves quite differently: he stays near the nest, guarding it from other inhabitants. This behavior continues throughout the incubation period (from 24 to 48 hours) and for several more days until the fry begin to swim freely. After this, his care for the offspring ends.

Most diseases are caused by unsuitable keeping conditions and poor-quality food. Upon detecting the first signs of illness, it is necessary to immediately check the water parameters (such as pH and dGH) and ensure the absence of high concentrations of dangerous substances (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.). The parameters should be brought back to normal only after this before proceeding with treatment.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with clean fins and no visible body damage. Avoid fish with signs of fungal infections, which often occur after transportation stress, as well as individuals with sluggish behavior or sunken bellies. In the store, fish may appear timid, which is a normal reaction to a new environment.