Opaline
Gourami
Description
of the Opaline Gourami
The Opaline Gourami is also commonly known as the Blue Gourami
or Three-Spot Gourami. They have the ability to breathe air
(labyrinth fish). Other labyrinth fish include the Paradise fish
and the Siamese or Thai fighting fish.
Profile of
the Opaline Gourami
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about
the Opaline Gourami species.
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Size: Up to 15cm
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Fish Tank
conditions: Temp 26-27 Degrees PH 6.6-6.8
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Diet / Feeding:
Bloodworms, Algae based dried foods, Brine Shrimp
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Temperament:
Male Gourami's can be aggressive towards smaller fish
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Behaviour: They
are territorial fish and are known as 'fin nippers'
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Range: Mekong
basin, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
Scientific
Classification of the Opaline Gourami
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify the sex of a Opaline Gourami?
The males and females of many
fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies.
But there are also other fish species where there is no visible
difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist! Male
Gouramis have long pointed dorsal and anal fins while females
have shorter and more rounded anal and dorsal fins.
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are
Opaline Gourami slimy?
Opaline Gourami secrete a type
of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides
protection against parasites and infections and helps the
Opaline Gourami to move through the water faster. Some fish
species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy
attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Opaline Gourami have gills?
Gills enable the Opaline Gourami
to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing
blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed
into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water.
The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an
operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Opaline Gourami have fins?
A fin is an external appendage
or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing,
or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of
fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven.
Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific
function:
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Dorsal fins -
The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The
Opaline Gourami has Dorsal fins to lend stability in
swimming.
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Ventral fins.
The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Opaline Gourami has Ventral fins to lend stability in
swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The
Opaline Gourami has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
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Pectoral fins.
The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes.
The Opaline Gourami has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and
side to side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Opaline Gourami
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