珍珠马甲 · Pearl Gourami

Overview

Usually peaceful, Trichopodus leerii becomes especially striking when males develop orange-red throats and extended fins. Adults reach about 12 cm and may live eight years or longer in aquaria, so long-term care and breeding-season interactions both matter.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, occupying lowland swamps, often near coasts. Singapore and Colombia hold introduced populations. Most aquarium fish are captive-produced rather than wild-collected.

Aquarium setup

Use an aquarium around 90 by 30 by 30 cm or larger, balancing plants and floating shelter with open swimming space. Provide plentiful retreats so females can avoid persistent breeding males.

Diet & feeding

It accepts most aquarium foods readily and also consumes hydra.

Behaviour & compatibility

Quiet communities suit it, but males defend space against each other and may pursue females insistently. Aggressive or very energetic companions can cause withdrawal.

Sexual dimorphism

Males develop richer colors, an orange-red throat, and extensions of the dorsal and anal fins. Females are plumper and less vividly colored.

Breeding

Prepare shallow breeding water around 15–20 cm deep with abundant floating plants and gentle air-powered filtration. After live-food conditioning, the male builds a large bubble nest, sometimes about 25 cm across. Embraces produce buoyant eggs that he gathers, with roughly 200–300 possible in a brood. Remove the female when spawning ends to prevent injury. Eggs hatch in 20–30 hours; free swimming follows four to five days later, when the male should leave too. Start with microscopic foods for the first week, then nauplii, microworms, or powdered food. Growth is slow, and temperature changes during water replacement are particularly problematic over the first three months.