Croaking gourami

About this species

Trichopsis vittata (Cuvier, 1831) is known as the croaking gourami. It may reach about 7 cm standard length, measured without the tail fin. FishBase also reports 8 cm total length, a different measurement basis. The fish has several dark lateral stripes, and males develop extended fin rays. Like other labyrinth fish, it can breathe air at the surface and is known for audible sounds.

Natural habitat

The accepted range includes parts of Indochina, the lower Mekong, southern Thailand, the lower Salween, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It inhabits lowland waters such as swamps, peatlands, ditches, rice fields and floodplains, generally with little current and dense vegetation.

Seriously Fish notes that records from Borneo, Sumatra and Java may represent another species. Origin labels for fish from those areas should therefore not be treated as certain. FishBase reports Least Concern (LC) based on a 2019 assessment; never release aquarium animals.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish lists 60 × 30 × 30 cm, about 54 litres, as suitable for one pair. A group requires more room, so do not apply the pair minimum to a group. Provide dense, shady planting, floating cover, shelters and gentle flow. Keep access to the surface clear for air breathing.

Use a close-fitting lid because the species jumps. Leave a warm, humid air layer above the water. Use a mature filter and maintain water quality; a calm setup does not remove the need for maintenance.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish gives 22–28°C, pH 5.0–7.5 and GH 1–15 dGH. FishBase ecological records list 22–28°C, pH 6–8 and hardness 5–19. Wild ecology records and aquarium recommendations are not identical measures, so we show their cautious overlap: 22–28°C, pH 6–7.5 and GH 5–15 dGH.

Stable conditions matter more than chasing an exact number. Acclimate fish gradually. No supported species-specific KH target is available.

Behaviour and group size

Seriously Fish describes the species as peaceful outside breeding and suitable as a pair or group. My-Fish emphasises territorial behaviour and gives different group guidance. Because sources differ and behaviour can change between aquariums, use a cautious setup with visual barriers, enough floor space and a plan to separate fish if aggression increases.

Do not select tankmates based on water values alone. The gourami may prey on small invertebrates. This guide does not label unverified fish pairings as guaranteed suitable.

Feeding

The species eats small invertebrates. FishBase lists zooplankton, crustaceans and insect larvae; Seriously Fish reports aquatic and terrestrial prey. Offer small portions of live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp and chironomid larvae. Dried food can be introduced.

Hikari describes Micro Pellets as a food for small-mouthed tropical fish. It is a suitable dry-food option, but continue to offer a varied range of small foods and check that all fish are eating.

Breeding

Trichopsis vittata builds a bubble nest among floating plants, and the male guards it. Eggs usually hatch in about 48 hours; fry remain in the nest another 3–4 days before swimming freely. Watch both parents’ behaviour.

Free-swimming fry first need infusoria-sized food, then foods such as microworms or Artemia nauplii. Use a close-fitting cover to keep the air above the water warm and humid. Small, regular water changes are preferable to large, irregular changes.