Trichogaster mikrolepis

Common name: Thick-Lipped Gourami
Origin: Southeast Asia, primarily found in the Mekong River basin in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Optimal living conditions:

• Temperature: 24 - 28°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Aquarium size: Minimum 80 liters

Adult fish size: 10 - 15 cm

Diet: Trichogaster microlepis is omnivorous and benefits from a varied diet. They thrive on high-quality flake foods, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Offering plant-based food like spirulina or blanched vegetables is also a great addition to their diet to ensure a balanced nutrition.

Tankmates: They are peaceful and do well with other calm and non-aggressive species. Good tankmates include tetras, small rasboras, other peaceful gouramis, and smaller catfish. Avoid pairing them with fin-nippers or aggressive fish. Males can sometimes become territorial, especially during breeding, so it's recommended to house only one male unless the aquarium is large enough to allow for territorial spacing.

Note: The Thick-Lipped Gourami is known for its robust body and thick lips, giving it a distinct and charming appearance. These gouramis are calm and relatively easy to care for, and they are an excellent choice for a peaceful community aquarium. Like other gouramis, they are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air directly from the surface, which makes them more adaptable to low-oxygen conditions. They enjoy calm waters with gentle filtration and will appreciate plants and hiding spots to create a comfortable environment. They are also known to be shy at first but will become more active and display their beautiful colors once acclimated.

Note: this small chart is only the very basics and is absolutely not enough for you to decide if this fish is right for you! Do your own detailed research before buying!!