Gold gourami: what does it look like and how to care for it?

Gourami is a vibrant aquarium fish that has been popular among aquarists for several decades. V lately, individuals of golden color, similar to a small sun, have become especially fond of. Such a fish can become a living decoration for a home aquarium. Read more about the care and maintenance of golden gourami in the article.

Gold gourami (Latin Trichopodus Trichopterus var. Gold), oddly enough, does not occur in the wild. This type is considered completely breeding - it took scientists more than one year to remove it, but the result was obtained in 1970. The goal of the breeders was to achieve a unique color of the scales, and they did it - they created the first goldfish in history.

A distinctive feature of gourami, in addition to the blinding golden color, is the ability to breathe atmospheric air. A similar phenomenon can be observed near the aquarium, when the fish rises to the surface, sticks out its head, swallowing air or water.

The body of the goldfish is elongated, slightly compressed. Standard sizes are about 10-12 cm, but some individuals reach 15 cm in length. There are large black eyes on the head. The fins are rather large and rounded.

The yellow gourami (females and males) have only seven fins:

• dorsal (located on top, short);
• anal (or tail, long);
• abdominal (is the main one, stretches from the belly to the tail);
• lateral (a pair of regular);
• pectoral (pair, filamentous).

Females differ from males in the size and shape of the dorsal fin. So, in males, it is much longer, plus it is pointed at the end. And in females, on the contrary, it is short and rounded. The color of the scales is golden yellow with a slight orange tint. Dark brown marble streaks are visible on the sides, and blue specks on the fins. There are also brindle-colored individuals.

Yellow gourami belong to the genus of thread carriers, which is expressed in the ability to transform the pelvic fins into long filaments called "whiskers." It is with the help of these "mustaches" that gourami explore the world around them, carefully examining the plants, interior items in the aquarium, as well as neighbors.

The golden type of gourami, in fact, does not differ from its labyrinth relatives, except for the color of the scales. Therefore, for the maintenance and further breeding, one should adhere to the same recommendations.

Generally, gourami are quite hardy fish. It is this characteristic that has made sea creatures one of the most popular among aquarium species. This golden creature is completely picky to care for, which allows even beginners to acquire one or a whole flock of fish.

Since fish are diurnal, the owners can admire them for a long time. In addition, this factor is influenced by the fact that golden gourami prefer to swim in the upper and middle layers of the water.

First of all you need to get a high-quality aquarium with a volume of at least 50 liters, but if you are going to start a school of fish - at least 100 liters. According to experts, the more spacious the water house, the better for its inhabitants.

It is important to take care of good lighting - it should not be bright, just dim the light a little.

At the bottom of the vessel, soil must be laid (preferably dark shades), live plants are planted in the form of thickets, as well as floating species. Do not forget about snags - gourami prefer to be near such objects.

Although gouramis are hardy creatures that can withstand slight drops in temperature, you should not leave them in cold water for a long time - this is fraught with a deterioration in well-being. During the spawning season, the water should be slightly warmer - approximately + 28 ... 32 degrees.

Since yellow gourami constantly rise to the surface to breathe, it is important that it is warm above the water, otherwise the fish will catch a cold, damaging the labyrinth apparatus. The same applies to the temperature of the water in the aquarium - it should be at room temperature. However, if the room is less than +25 degrees, cover the aquarium with a lid.

An important factor is the hardness of the water.

Containment procedures also include filtration procedure, this also applies timely aeration. In addition, you need weekly cleaning and replacement of water in the tank - 30% of the total volume.

In terms of food, yellow gourami, like its wild relatives, are absolutely omnivorous. Recommended food is presented in specialized food for aquarium fish, which, in turn, are available in three types - live, frozen, dry artificial. Each of these foods contains the necessary nutrients for the physical health of the little ones in the aquarium.

Experts recommend carefully choose the type of food, taking into account the physical parameters of the pet... So, the fish have too small a mouth, so large food is not suitable for daily nutrition.

You shouldn't only feed your goldfish dry or animal food. It would be better to combine several types to compose an everyday menu. So, branded flakes or granules can act as a basis, as a top dressing, use small food such as living insects - bloodworms, coretra, tubifex, brine shrimp.

In addition to specialized food, aquarium fish eat hydras that enter the water along with food. Although hydras are pests, in this case they are lifeguards for the health of fish and the cleanliness of an underwater house.

By nature, individuals of this species are very peaceful, unable to express aggression towards neighbors. On the contrary, gourami are shy, cautious fish. Feeling threatened, they prefer to hide in vegetation or under driftwood.

In the same aquarium, gourami can successfully coexist with almost their favorite species of fish. It doesn't matter whether it's small or large, you can always have peace of mind about the decor in your underwater home. However, one should be careful when adding another fish to the gourami. For example, experts do not advise combining with veil-tails or their relatives.

Despite the peaceful nature, the goldfish can nevertheless demonstrate hostility, which, by the way, is characteristic of all representatives of the labyrinth group.

Nevertheless, the gourami is golden - peaceful, harmless creatures. It is extremely rare to meet a truly aggressive individual. Therefore, experts recommend starting gourami for all lovers of marine life.

The goldfish is a specially bred species of wild gourami with brightly colored scales. Such a creation will become a real decoration of any aquarium, where golden spots will stand out against the background of blue water and green vegetation. Maintenance and care does not require much effort, the main thing is to decide on the food, the aquarium, monitor the temperature, filtration, and also timely clean and change the water in the tank.

For the content of gourami gold, see below.