Trichopsis vittata

(Cuvier, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Croaking gourami
French : Gourami grogneur

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

Identification
Although the species can grow to 8 cm in length, it rarely reaches above 4 cm long. Coloration yellowish-beige to greyish with three broad horizontal lines on the flanks. Red eyes, iridescent blue line below eyes. Flanks can show a bit of green iridescence when males are displaying. Beautiful bright blue fins with black dots on dorsal and caudal fins.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southeast Asia, from Thailand, south Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. It has been introduced in other countries because of the pet trade. It is found in sluggish river and standing water areas with lots of aquatic vegetation, sometimes in flooded fields around the Mekong river.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : At this time, the species is believed to be common, even in man-made and altered habitats. However, taxonomic research shows that this species is actually a complex of four distinct species and their conservation status still remains poorly understood at this time. More work is needed to shed some light on this matter.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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