Trichopodus pectoralis

(Regan, 1910)

Vernacular names
English : Snakeskin gourami
French : Gourami à peau de serpent

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Anabantiformes
Family : Osphronemidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 25 cm for a weight of 500g, making it the largest of its genus. Elongated, laterally compressed body with upturned mouth. Coloration mostly olive grey to beige with slight greenish iridescence on flanks (not always visible). Broad black band (sometimes faint or broken) from eye to tail peduncle. More or less faint broad vertical bands ranging in color from dark greenish-brown to brown. Fins unspotted, color ranging from nearly transparent to dark red.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southeast Asia, from south Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar to Peninsular Malaysia. It has been introduced in Philippines, Sri Lanka, New Caledonia and elsewhere. It is found in marshlands, swamps and even man-made waterbodies but it cannot tolerate polluted waters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common and has been widely introduced around the world in tropical waters. The original wild populations are declining because of habitat loss. The species is farmed in huge numbers to supply both the food-fish markets and the pet trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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