Mosaic gourami - Trichogaster leeri

The colorful, interestingly patterned Mosaic Gourami Trichogaster leeri from Southeast Asia, like its relatives from India, is a labyrinth fish, also called a climbing fish. The mosaic gourami has a bright pearl pattern on a green-blue metallic shimmering background. A narrow black longitudinal band runs through the eye along the middle of the body to the back, at the base of the caudal fin sits a black dot. The name "threadfish" comes to Trichogaster leeri from its strikingly long thread-like pectoral fins, which the aquarium fish uses for palpation and tasting, often moving them briskly. Males have a bright orange to bright red throat, chest, and belly and a pointed dorsal fin; females almost completely lack the red coloration and have a rounded, shorter dorsal fin. Males grow to 10-12 cm in length, while females remain slightly smaller.

The peaceful Mosaic Gourami lives in its native habitat in slow flowing waters  and irrigation canals. Keeping in a group is recommended. Trichogaster leeri can also be kept together with other peaceful fish in the aquarium. These somewhat shy ornamental fish have been at home in aquaristics for a very long time. They are pretty to look at and quite easy to keep. Mosaic gourami are compatible in a group, a school of 5-10 animals should be housed in a well-planted aquarium from 130 cm edge length. For smaller aquariums from 100 cm edge length a pair or a small shoal of 3-4 animals is suitable. Floating plants are absolutely necessary, since the fish know these from their homeland and the males build their foam nests in it. Mosaic gourami live about 10 years in the aquarium.

Breeding of the pretty and compatible Mosaic Gourami is relatively easy. Males build a large, stable foam nest among floating plants such as frogbit, duckweed or riccia / pond liverwort. When spawning, the eggs float up into the foam nest. Male Mosaic Gourami guard the spawn in the foam nest until the fry swim free. During this time, males are very territorial and defend their foam nest. It is less stressful for them if you transfer the females. As soon as the larvae swim free, the male should also be removed from the rearing aquarium.  Young mosaic gourami eat dust food, finest live food like infusoria or paramecia and later also artemia euplii and microworms.

Mosaic gourami are very quiet fish and should not be added to very lively aquarium fish. Curious aquarium mates that tug at the delicate gourami fins are also not good for socialization. Trichogaster leeri can be kept very well with shrimp , as the mosaic gourami does not actively hunt them. Crayfish can injure the delicate filamentous pectoral fins and therefore should not be kept with gourami of any species in the aquarium.

Mosaic gourami tolerate soft to medium hard water, the GH should not climb above 15. An addition of humic substances can contribute to their well-being. Trichogaster leeri should be kept at water temperatures of 25-28 °C.

The Mosaic Gourami likes to pick up their food from the water surface. As a labyrinth fish, gourami must also be able to reach the water surface to breathe - they have rudimentary gills, but breathe primarily with their labyrinth organ, whose function is comparable to that of a lung. Trichogaster leeri is an omnivore. The Mosaic Gourami likes vegetable food as well as frozen food and live food. It also nibbles on algae coverings. Duckweed is also eaten. Mosaic gourami will readily accept a high quality flake food or granular food for omnivorous aquarium fish as their main diet. Make sure it floats on top for as long as possible.

Our food recommendation: With the NatureHolic BettaFeed a special food for fighting fish has been tailor-made, whose soft soft granules remind of the consistency of insect larvae in nature. The soft beads protect the sensitive fish mouth from micro-cracks caused by too hard food grains. The specially developed NH Immun+ complex as well as the NH Color+ high-performance additive support the immune system and the magnificent color formation of the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free from snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.