Snakeskin Gourami     Trichogaster leeri

Grows to: 6"

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 bottom region of the tank.  They possess a labyrinth organ which permits them to breath air directly.  They enjoy a slow water current.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons for juveniles. (Temperature- 74-82),  (pH 6.0-8.0)

Tank mates:  They are peaceful fish that can readily mix with a variety of other community fish including tetras, barbs, sharks, corydoras, loaches and angels. 

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes and greens (spirulina flakes), along with blood worms, brine shrimp and frozen foods.  They are an omnivore with a diet heavy in plant matter.  They will not eat fish fry.

Natural Habitat:  Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos as well as being introduced in a number of other Eastern Asian countries.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males will have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin as commonly seen in gouramis.  Females have a shorter, more rounded dorsal fin and are slightly less colorful.