Croaking Gourami

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) comes from South East Asia and reaches about 6 to 7 cm. It is closely related to the smaller sparkling gourami and shares its most unusual feature: specialised pectoral fin tendons that produce a clearly audible croaking or clicking sound during display, loud enough to hear from outside the tank on a quiet evening. A group of six or more needs 60 litres or more at 24-28C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, with dense planting, floating cover, leaf litter, minimal flow and a tight lid. Feed small live and frozen foods, daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp and micro pellets. It is peaceful and shy, easily outcompeted by faster fish, and needs a calm tank with small tankmates such as rasboras, pygmy corys and small tetras. Males spar with each other by flaring and croaking rather than fighting, so a group produces plenty of sound and display without injury. Bright open tanks and strong currents are the main reasons it hides and stops eating.

• How active is a Croaking Gourami?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Croaking Gourami need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Croaking Gourami need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Croaking Gourami a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Croaking Gourami live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Croaking Gourami?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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