银曼龙 · Moonlight Gourami

Overview

Trichopodus microlepis, the moonlight gourami, combines subdued coloration with unusually long threadlike pelvic fins. It is easily startled and benefits from plants, gentle flow, and clear swimming space. Companions must be neither overwhelming nor small enough to swallow.

Distribution & habitat

Native to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, it inhabits lowland ponds and swamps with dense aquatic and marginal vegetation. Feral populations occur in Singapore and Colombia. Most aquarium stock is farmed rather than wild-caught.

Aquarium setup

Provide a planted layout with open swimming areas and slow water movement. Floating vegetation is especially useful when breeding because it supports the male's loose bubble nest.

Diet & feeding

An omnivore, it generally accepts prepared foods. Supplement them with varied live and frozen items.

Behaviour & compatibility

Avoid vigorous companions that intimidate it and very small fishes that could become food. Males may defend space against other males or gouramis, so a quiet everyday demeanor does not guarantee peaceful breeding interactions.

Sexual dimorphism

Male pelvic fins are orange or red; those of females are yellow.

Breeding

Breeding is challenging. Use a dedicated, densely planted aquarium with floating plants and water around 15–20 cm deep. Condition the pair with live food. The male builds among surface vegetation, and spawning embraces occur beneath the nest. Spawning can last around two hours and produce up to roughly 2,000 eggs.

Remove the female afterward. Eggs hatch in about one or two days, with free swimming another two days later. The male can then be removed. For approximately the first two weeks, feed tiny infusoria-sized foods three or four times daily before introducing brine shrimp nauplii and powdered foods.

Fry are very sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Keep maintenance gentle and avoid abrupt shifts as they grow; accepting larger food does not imply immediate tolerance of major environmental changes.

Notes

The elongated pelvic feelers are a characteristic feature. Readily available farmed adults should not be mistaken for proof that pairing and fry rearing are equally straightforward.