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Trichopodus trichopterus var., also called the Opaline Gourami, is a captive-bred variety of the three-spot gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus. Its silvery blue body, marked with darker marbling, gives it a distinctive appearance that is highly valued in aquariums. Like other members of the Osphronemidae, it possesses a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air at the surface. Usually peaceful but sometimes territorial, it can be kept in a well-planned community aquarium. This variety is fairly common in the aquarium trade and is generally supplied from captive-bred lines.

General description of the species

Trichopodus trichopterus var. is a domestic variety of Trichopodus trichopterus, a gourami widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia. Its laterally compressed body and long, thread-like pelvic fins help it explore its surroundings. The species mainly inhabits quiet, shallow water where vegetation provides shelter and supports for bubble nests. In an aquarium, it usually occupies the middle and upper levels, regularly rising to the surface to breathe. Adults may become territorial, particularly males, although the species is generally more sociable than several larger labyrinth fish. Dense planting, floating plants and visual barriers help reduce chasing. The opaline variety differs primarily in coloration rather than in behavior from the natural form. It is fairly common among aquarium retailers and can suit prepared beginners.

Geographic origin and biotope

The species is native to mainland and island Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It is associated with the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, as well as many lowland habitats. Its biotope includes ponds, ditches, canals, flooded rice fields, marshes and backwaters with very weak current. Water may be clear or stained by organic matter, with abundant plant cover and a calm surface. Depth is usually limited, promoting warm water and frequent contact with the atmosphere. In an aquarium, moderate filtration avoids creating excessive current. A cover is recommended to maintain a humid air layer above the water and reduce temperature differences during labyrinth breathing.

Precise location and local name

Throughout its natural range, Trichopodus trichopterus is mainly found in lowland habitats connected to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, as well as canal networks, rice fields and wetlands across the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian archipelago. It is not restricted to a single watercourse; its ecological tolerance explains its presence in several river systems. In Thailand, the natural form is known as pla salit. In several Malay and Indonesian regions, sepat is used for gouramis in this group. The opaline variety, produced through captive selection, is usually sold under commercial names such as Opaline Gourami or Blue Opaline Gourami. It therefore has no separate traditional local name in its wild range. Fish offered by retailers generally come from breeding lines selected for their marbled pattern.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Trichopodus trichopterus var. has an oval, deep and laterally compressed body, with a slightly upturned mouth. The natural form usually shows two dark spots on the body and another at the base of the tail; in the opaline variety, these markings merge into a blue-grey marbled pattern. The fins are often shaded blue, grey and black, while the pelvic fins extend into two characteristic sensory filaments. The dorsal and anal fins are relatively long, and the anal fin runs along much of the underside of the body. Adult size may reach approximately 15 cm, although many aquarium specimens remain smaller. Males usually have a longer, more pointed dorsal fin; females are often deeper-bodied, with a rounded dorsal fin. Color becomes stronger when the fish is healthy, mature or stimulated during breeding.

General diet

Omnivorous and opportunistic, Trichopodus trichopterus var. accepts a broad range of foods. A quality staple diet of small pellets or flakes can be supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and mosquito larvae. It also consumes small prey, tiny crustaceans, insects that fall onto the surface and some plant matter or algae. To maintain color and condition, offer small, varied portions instead of relying on one food. Young fish require particles suited to their small mouths. Floating or slowly sinking foods make it easier to observe natural feeding at the surface and midwater. Avoid overfeeding, since this species may eat eagerly. An occasional fasting day can help maintain condition, but a consistent and moderate routine is more important than any strict schedule.

Essential data

• Name of original river: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins
• Local name used: Pla salit in Thailand; sepat in Malaysia and Indonesia
• Origin of the scientific name: Trichopodus is the genus; trichopterus identifies the species
• Full-name etymology: Trichopodus means thread-foot; trichopterus means hairy fin or hairy wing; var. opaline refers to an opalescent color variety
• Common/vernacular names: Opaline Gourami, Blue Gourami, Three-Spot Gourami
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Subfamily: Trichopodinae
• Name pronunciation: trik oh POH dus - trik OP ter us
• Discovery: Peter Simon Pallas, 1770
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 8.0
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Slow, shallow water, often bordered by aquatic plants, grasses, rice fields and emergent vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Trigonostigma heteromorpha, Pangio semicincta, Crossocheilus oblongus, Hoplisoma paleatus
• Temperament and behavior: Usually peaceful, sometimes territorial; males may defend a surface area and bubble nest
• Water depth: Shallow to moderate, generally in lowland habitats
• Sexual dimorphism: Male with a longer, pointed dorsal fin; female often rounder and fuller-bodied
• Bottom structure and flow: Mud, silt, plant debris and dense vegetation; slow or nearly absent current

In your aquarium

Success with Trichopodus trichopterus var. depends on a stable, covered and well-planted aquarium. Provide quiet areas, floating plants and visual barriers to limit territorial behavior. Gentle filtration, clean water and a temperature of 24 to 30 °C are suitable. Avoid highly aggressive, fin-nipping or much larger tankmates. A varied diet and regular observation help maintain good condition and reveal stress early. Although it is a hardy and fairly common aquarium fish, it must always have easy access to the surface for air breathing.