Fish Classification - Macropodus Opercularis
BELONTIIDAE Macropodus opercularis The paradise fish has been familiar to aquarists since the mid- 1800s. It is the “black sheep” of the family, but possesses the advantage of withstanding temperatures down to 15%C - sometimes even lower for short periods. The female lays several hundred eggs which hatch in 2 days or so. Size: 10-15 cm. Helostoma temmincki The kissing gourami is a near relative of the Belontiidae - it actually belongs to the family Helostomatidae - and like them possesses a labyrinth, and builds a bubblenest for its eggs. The “kissing” behavior observed between individuals probably has some social function; it is not necessarily linked to reproduction, though admittedly also occurring during the mating ritual. Size: 10-15 cm. Trichogaster leeri The male of the peaceful pearl gourami has a more pointed dorsal fin than the female, which can lay up to 1,000 eggs. The fry are slow to develop. Size: 13 cm. Trichogaster trichopterus Trichogaster trichopterus The tranquil blue gourami or threespot gourami prefers to breed in seclusion from other fish. The current variety has only two black spots on its body - the third spot referred to in its English name is really the eye. These spots are not present in the Cosby strain. There is also a most beautiful golden variety, which is not albino. Size: 10 cm. A GOURAMI FOR THE BEGINNER The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) is the traditional recommendation to the novice: the male makes a glorious sight in the aquarium. If your aim is to familiarize yourself with breeding procedures, it is better to try the blue gourami or the dwarf gourami. The latter (Colisa lalia) is tranquil and timid, retreating into the vegetation if disturbed. The female, less brightly colored than the male, is very prolific. The eggs hatch in 2 days, with the fry feeding on small live prey. There is also an orange-red version of this species - the sunset. Once again, the female is duller in color. Size: 5 cm.
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