All fish / Osphronemidae

Croaking Gourami

Trichopsis vittata

Also known as croaking gouramy, talking gourami, croaking gourami, trichopsis vittatus, striped croaking gourami, croaker gourami, ปลากริมควาย, ikan karim, クローキング・グーラミィ, cupang kodok, 吼叫丽丽, 叫鱼

This is a small labyrinth fish with a light brown body crossed by several dark lengthways stripes. In good light it shows a blue sheen on the fins and red edging, and the eyes are often blue. Keepers like it for its calm nature and the audible croaking or clicking sounds both sexes make during displays.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more, or a single pair in smaller tanks

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus quality flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia (Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Sumatra, Borneo, Java)

Breeding

Males build a small bubble nest, often under a leaf or in a cave, and guard the eggs after spawning. It breeds readily in a quiet, well planted tank with floating plants and a warm, humid air layer above the water, and the tiny fry need infusoria or similar first foods.

Good to know

Keep a tight lid so the air above the water stays warm, which protects the labyrinth organ. It is shy and easily outcompeted, so avoid boisterous or fin-nipping tankmates; it is often confused with the smaller Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila).