Pearl gourami
Trichopodus leerii
The pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) stands out not only because of its shimmering scale pattern, which is reminiscent of an elaborate mosaic, but also because of its extraordinary adaptability. Originally native to the dark, oxygen-poor blackwater rivers of South-East Asia, it has a special respiratory organ - the labyrinth organ. This enables it to breathe atmospheric air and makes it independent of well-aerated water. This special feature gives it an evolutionary advantage in extreme habitats. The eponymous pelvic fin rays are also striking. These sensory organs help the fish to perceive touch and taste stimuli and to orientate itself.
Another remarkable feature is its unique reproductive behavior. The male builds an elaborate foam nest on the surface of the water, consisting of hundreds of small air bubbles that are stabilized with a mouth secretion. After an intensive courtship ritual, the female lays the eggs, after which the male carefully carries them into the nest and guards them there. During the breeding season, it displays surprisingly aggressive territorial behavior - a stark contrast to its otherwise peaceful nature.
The sexes are easy to distinguish: Males have longer fins and a bright reddish-orange coloration in the chest area. This blaze of color becomes even more pronounced during the mating season, making the pearl gourami an impressive spectacle in any aquarium.
From an ecological point of view, the pearl gourami is an indicator of intact tropical freshwater habitats. However, habitat loss and water pollution are increasingly affecting the species. Despite its popularity in the aquarium trade, it is considered endangered in parts of its natural range. However, its ability to survive in artificial habitats makes it a beacon of hope for species conservation through controlled breeding programs.
| Classification | perch relatives, labyrinth fish, Osphronemidae, gourami | ||
| Habitat | stagnant and slow-flowing freshwaters with dense, shady bank vegetation and/or weedy substrate | ||
| Behaviour | territorial, defend their territory | ||
| Diet | plankton, insects, larvae, small crustaceans, snails and worms | ||
| Body length | up to 12 cm | ||
| Reproduction | The male builds a foam nest (air bubbles encased in a mouth secretion) in the center of his breeding territory; Mating ritual under the foam nest, spawn floats to the surface, where it is collected by the male in the mouth and brought under the foam nest, after one to two days the larvae hatch, after two to four days the larvae leave the nest; this also ends the male's brood care | ||
| Use | Food fish, aquaristics | ||
| Current population | unknown |
Distribution
Conservation status
