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Gourami

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Gouramis
Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Perciformes
Suborder:
Anabantoidei
Family:
Osphronemidae

Bleeker, 1859
Subfamilies

Belontiinae
Macropodusinae
Osphroneminae
Luciocephalinae
See text for genera and species.

Gouramis are a family, Osphronemidae, of freshwater perciform fishes. The fish are native to Asia, from Pakistan and India to the Malay Archipelago and north-easterly towards Korea. The name "gourami" is also used for fish of the families Helostomatidae and Anabantidae. "Gouramis" is an example of a redundant plural. Gourami is already plural, in its original language.

Many gouramis have an elongated ray at the front of their pelvic fins. Many species show parental care: some are mouthbrooders, and others, like the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), build bubble nests. Currently, about 90 species are recognised, placed in 4 subfamilies and about 15 genera.

The name Polyacanthidae has also been used for this family. Some fish now classified as gouramis were previously placed in family Anabantidae. The subfamily Belontiinae was recently demoted from the family Belontiidae. As labyrinth fishes, gouramis have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to gulp air and use atmospheric oxygen. This organ is a vital innovation for fishes that often inhabit warm, shallow, oxygen-poor water.

As food

Giant gouramis, Osphronemus goramy, are eaten in some parts of the world. In Indonesia they are often deep-fried and served in sweet-sour sauce, chili sauce, and other spices. Canned, fried gourami are available in China, and throughout the world in oriental supermarkets. Which species the cans contain is uncertain, however; the illustration on the lid of the can of one product depicts the moonlight gourami, Trichogaster microlepis.

In the aquarium

Female three spot gourami breathing air

Gouramis, particularly the three spot and dwarf, are often kept in home aquariums. As labyrinth fish, they will often swim near the top of the tank. As with other tropical freshwater fish, an aquarium heater is often used. Gouramis will eat either prepared or live foods. Some species can grow quite large, and are unsuitable for the general hobbyist.

Compatibility

Generally regarded as peaceful, gouramis are still capable of harassing or killing smaller or long-finned fish. Depending on the species, adult and juvenile males have been known to spar with one another. Aggression can also occur as a result of overcrowding.

Gouramis have been housed with many species, such as danios, mollies, silver dollars, and plecostomus catfish, but will often show aggression toward species with long, flowing fins like male guppies, goldfish, and bettas.

Species

There are about 96 species in 15 genera.

See also

The name "gourami" is used of several other related fish that are now placed in different families:

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Osphronemidae.

References

  1. ^ Eschmeyer, W.N. & Fricke, R. (eds). "Trichogaster". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 14 November 2011. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Eschmeyer, W.N. & Fricke, R. (eds). "Trichopodus". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 14 November 2011. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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