Schaller’s Croaking Gourami is one of the unfortunately rarely available labyrinth fish. These pretty animals mostly come from central Thailand (they can be found comparatively far north and also in Vietnam) and grow to around 4 cm in length. This makes them slightly larger than the Dwarf Croaking Gurami (Trichopsis pumila 2.5-3 cm) and slightly smaller than the Large Croaking Gurami (T. vittata up to 6 cm).
They are very undemanding fish that are ideal for a community aquarium with small, peaceful fish from Southeast Asia – e.g. Rasbora species. In contrast to many other labyrinth fish, the males like to build their foam nest under a broad plant leaf or in caves, only rarely is it placed on the surface of the water.
Croaking gourami are so called because they can produce audible growling sounds. These sounds are produced by the fish running a bone over tendons that run over the air-filled swim bladder. Croaking gouramis play the guitar, so to speak. The croaking itself is a show of strength. The fish croak and whoever croaks the loudest wins. When mating, the males also croak to show that they are really great and strong. But the females also croak in this species and are very emancipated.
The sexes are difficult to distinguish in Trichopsis and can only be distinguished when the animals are ready to spawn. Then you can see in the backlight that the ovaries of the females rise diagonally backwards towards the middle of the body, so the intestines appear like a triangle. The testicles of the males are thin strands along the spine and are barely visible. This makes the intestines appear rounded towards the tail when viewed against the light.
Sometimes, but only very rarely find vertically striped animals can be found among our Schallers Growling Gurami. This phenomenon occurs in both sexes. It is not yet clear whether this is a mutation or another species.
The water values do not play a role in their care, any drinking water is suitable. The water temperature can be in the range of 24-28°C, or slightly higher for breeding. They will eat any ornamental fish food of a suitable size. Plants are not bothered by Croaking gouramis.
For our customers: the animals have code 470903 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
