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The Latin name for Pearl Goura sounds like Trichopodus leerii. This inhabitant of aquariums combines grace and beauty. A male individual, when spawning, looks irresistible, striking in its beauty. It acquires an exceptionally bright red color, which can be compared to a blazing scarlet poppy.
This representative takes a worthy place in the collection of the aquarium world and is a real decoration of it. This unpretentious representative of ichthyofauna will decorate the aquarium of both a beginner and an experienced aquarist.
The simplicity of maintenance and care led to the wide popularity of this representative. Fans of aquarium content are increasingly showing interest in it.
This fish belongs to labyrinth species and differs from its analogues in that it is able to use atmospheric oxygen for breathing.At the same time, it is rather well prepared for assimilation of oxygen dissolved in water. The natural living conditions of these fish are rather complicated, therefore nature itself has introduced a labyrinth apparatus into its structure. With his help, this representative breathes the oxygen that is in the atmospheric air. She is not afraid of the harsh conditions in which she adapted to survive.
A characteristic feature of this representative ichthyofauna is the cultivation of its fry in foam. From it they build a nest for them. It remains unclear and unexplored the fact that the fish makes very strange sounds when it goes to spawn.
This excellent fish is easily surrounded by other various members of the fish kingdom. The adult specimen has a length of more than 10 cm. Females are of a more modest size. These representatives are distinguished by a long lifespan. Some attribute to them certain properties of the mind. They believe that gourami are capable of recognizing who constantly feeds them.
This representative has a relatively large size, but, despite this, it has a peace-loving disposition.They behave very calmly, but, being in the general capacity, they show some timidity. Capacity for the content of these species densely planted with vegetation. But do not forget to leave a place for the free movement of fish.
The first mention of these species appeared in 1852. They come from the Asian continent. It was from there that their subsequent distribution went.
In nature, these representatives remained so small that they had to be entered in the Red Book. This species is threatened with extinction. In some places of our planet they disappeared completely. First of all, this is due to environmental degradation and environmental pollution. "Natural individuals" on sale now can be found extremely rare. Mostly they are traded by representatives that are grown in various fish farms in captivity.
Natural habitats are low-lying bodies of water in which there is acidic water. Fish loves places where there is a rich vegetation. In insects and larvae are used. The hunt for insects flying above the water is one of the features of these fish. Very interesting and the process of hunting.Gourami knocks an insect with a stream of water, which he releases in his direction. Before this gourami patiently and carefully monitors the prey.
General characteristics
The fish has an elongated body shape. From the sides it is slightly compressed. Especially males have such manifestation. The shape of the fins filiform, with high sensitivity. With them she feels literally everything that surrounds her. The body has a reddish-brown color. There are dots on the tla. That is why it is called so.
In nature, the fish has a slightly larger size than when kept in captivity. If you take good care of a fish, it can live up to 8 years.
Under natural conditions, gourami is located in the middle of the waters and on their surface.
The young are placed in a container of 50 liters. This volume is enough for her. For adults, a more spacious “room” is needed. The tank capacity should be at least 100 liters.
The complexity of the content
Gourami pearl is extremely unpretentious. Therefore, it is quite suitable for those who are just beginning to engage in such an exciting event.In various conditions, has a good adaptation. It feeds on any feed. It can well eat hydra that accidentally got into his food for food.
Principles of nutrition
In nature, gourami feeds on various materials of animal origin. When artificial content eats various types of feed. Additionally, live or frozen food can be used. It can be a bloodworm or a pipe worker, artemia. They eat absolutely everything, but due to the small mouth they cannot swallow large volumes of food.
Gurami can even eat hydra. This small intestinal cavity contains poison in its tentacles. Being in the same tank together with other representatives of the fish kingdom, the fry and small fish can become the object of its hunt.
Among other representatives of this type of fish gourami, pearl has the most pronounced simplicity. Some special requirements for the content do not impose and require only the presence of standard conditions of care. The fry are quietly located in a 50 liter tank. Adults require more space.
The main condition is the coincidence of the temperature parameters of the water and the room. If there is a significant difference, this can lead to damage to the labyrinth apparatus by gourami. Requires warm water in the aquarium. Fish react negatively to cold water. Still, this representative comes from warm countries.
It is highly desirable to filter, but the absence of a strong flow is more important. Fish just can not stand it. What will be the soil - does not matter. It matters more in aesthetic terms. Looks great fish on a background of dark soil. Such a contrast outwardly will look very impressive.
Inside the aquarium should be a lot of plants. It is necessary that they float on the surface. This is due to the fact that the fish are not supporters of bright colors. Since they are a little shy, they don’t need a bright color. The lower limit of the water temperature is 24 degrees. But above 28 degrees, the temperature should not be raised. pH should be in the range of 6.5-8.5.
It would be very appropriate if the owner of the aquarium builds various shelters such as snags, clay shards, or something else.
Compatibility Examples
The fish has a pronounced peaceful nature. It remains calm even during spawning. It distinguishes it favorably from other representatives gourami. Show the expressed shyness until completely will get accustomed. They behave so calmly even while feeding them. It is important to ensure that they, as well as others, in full received feed.
The best option would be if with her next door will be the same peaceful fish. It is better if they are fish of the same size. It should be remembered that some gourami aggressive to their closest fellows. Just a wonderful neighbor will be sklyaria. Together with the rooster, it is, of course, allowed to contain them, but it is highly undesirable, bearing in mind his pugnacious nature.
The proximity to large krill is quite acceptable. But next to small specimens can not be kept, because they will be regarded as food. It is better to them, as they say, away from sin.
Gender Differences
The male is distinctly different from the females.Make a distinction is not difficult. First of all, these are sizes. In size, males are significantly more female representatives. The second distinguishing feature is the brighter coloring of males. The female, when viewed from the outside, seems more complete than the male.
A characteristic distinguishing feature in spawning is the scarlet saturated color of the male's abdomen.
Breeding rules
Reproduction is quite simple and does not constitute anything remarkable. The appearance of the male during the spawning period is exceptionally amazing. He demonstrates the brightness of his color and scarlet belly color. Often, during the spawning period, the males arrange real battles with the opposing sides. Watching this is akin to a theatrical performance. Representatives for a short period of time interlock with their mouths (kissing gouras). For a time, they are simply one against the other.
In the preceding spawning season, the couple intensively feeds on live food. The female swells right before her eyes. The pair is deposited in a separate spacious container. The water temperature in the spawning should not be below 28 degrees. It is necessary to float on the water plants.The fishes will use them to build a nest. The volume of fluid in the aquarium when spawning is artificially reduced.
Construction of the nest is carried out by the male. Then the matrimonial games begin in full. At this time, the peace of the fish is carefully preserved. They should not interfere. Gallant cavalier in every way courting the female. Then he tries to hug her, while squeezing out caviar. After that, he sows her. Eggs gradually float to the surface because they are lighter than water. The male she carefully caught and returns back to the nest.
The water in the aquarium must be constantly aerated. This is done until the labyrinth apparatus is completely formed.After that, he independently swims to the surface of the water in order to breathe air. From this point on, the water level in the aquarium can be increased. Aeration is reduced to a minimum or turned off altogether.
Growing fry is very fast, but uneven. Some representatives grow quickly, while others grow slowly. In this regard, there is the threat of cannibalism. To avoid this, a careful sorting fry. This, in fact, the breeding process ends.
In conclusion, it should be said that the maintenance and breeding of such a species as gourami pearl is quite accessible to both the experienced and novice holder of the aquarium. This possibility is due to the lack of difficulty in caring for them.
Video: breeding pearl gourami
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