Moonlight Gourami     Trichogaster microlepis

Grows to: 4"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are best kept as a single male with one or more females.  To keep multiple males, a large enough tank should be provided so each male can establish its own territory.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They prefer thick vegetation and dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to upper region of the tank.  They possess a labyrinth organ which permits them to breath air directly.  They enjoy a slow water current and warm water.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons. (Temperature- 77-86),  (pH 6.0-7.5)

Tank mates:  They are timid fish that need non-aggressive tank mates otherwise they will constantly hide and may not feed.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods, however they are not aggressive eaters.  Be sure tank mates are allowing them to feed as they will not fight for food, even if hungry.  Feed flakes, along with blood worms, brine shrimp and frozen foods.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Cambodia & Thailand.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males will develop orange to red color in the pelvic fins and have a slightly longer and more pointed dorsal fin.  Females have a shorter, more rounded dorsal fin and colorless to yellow pelvic fins.