Moonlight Gourami
(Please note this is the how to page, for other information see Wikipedia) (Very brief, needs revising)
Tank Conditions [edit]
Although undemanding about water conditions and requires only intermediate care, it thrives best in soft acidic water.[1] Because it is so tolerant of less than perfect water, it is often recommended for a beginner in the fishkeeping hobby. However, as in most other fishes, regular water change will help maintain the health of the moonlight gourami. Ideal pH level for the gourami is 6.0–7.0 with the water hardness at 2–25 dGH and the temperature kept between 26–30°C (79–86°F).
It thrives in a heavily planted aquarium. Preferable vegetation are the sturdy Java fern and Vallisneria. The moonlight gourami are social and peaceful fish that are suitable for community tanks. However, large specimens, particularly males, may attack others of the same or closely related species.[1] On the other hand, the moonlight gourami could be a shy and timid fish that regularly hides behind vegetation and gets bullied by more aggressive tank mates. The moonlight gourami is also a top or middle tank-level dweller. Minimum tank size requirement is 20 gallons.
The moonlight gourami will accept flakes, frozen and live foods.[1] However, in the case of community tanks, other large, fast fish can scare the moonlight gourami away from food as the timid gourami does not compete well for its meal even if starving.
Breeding [edit]
Breeding of this fish is easy. The moonlight gourami should be provided with a separate breeding tank because other fish consider eggs and small babies (fry) as food. An ideal breeding tank has very soft water that has been reduced to a depth of about six inches; floating plants can also be present to give the fish a feeling of security.[1] The pH should be slightly acidic and the temperature should be raised to at least 80°F over a period of several days to trigger spawning. Dark gravel, plenty of floating plants to assist in bubble nest building, as well as feeding of live foods to the breeding pair will increase the chances for successful reproduction. After spawning, the aquarists often provide the female a thicket of fine-leaved plants to hide if the male becomes aggressive; however, the moonlight gourami will not harm the female as other species of labyrinth fish might.[1]
Once the eggs hatch, the fry must be fed very fine foods several times daily. The fry are tiny and delicate for the first few weeks of their lives.[1] Most losses of fry are due to the lack of adequate food or low water temperature. Live foods such as daphnia, artemia and rotifers are ideal. However, very finely chopped lettuce, banana skins, and finely ground flake food can also be used to feed the young. The water temperature in the low to middle 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal while the fry are growing.
References [edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Axelrod, Herbert R.; Emmens, C.; Burgess, W.;Pronek, N. (1996). Exotic Tropical Fishes. T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-87666-543-1.
