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Better
known by the common name Dwarf Gourami, this species belong to the Anabantinoids
(Labyrinth fish). It is mainly found in Indian rivers and in Borneo
(South East Asia). A very beautiful little fish, colourful,
adaptable in planted tanks (in fact it requires a heavily planted
tank). Their small final size allows the hobbyist to place many of
them in relatively small tanks. They thrive at water with a pH 6.8 (anything in the 6.5 - 7 range will
do). They reach a final size of
approximately 6 cm although in some cases they may exceed this limit. This species is very sensitive concerning the water
conditions. In poor water conditions it is susceptible to diseases.
Although
it doesn't show the kind of sexual dichromatism seen in African
cichlids from the Rift Lakes, still the male is more colourful than
the female. Dark gravel will bring out its spectacular coloration.
Pairs usually swim side by side. Choose the tankmates carefully (size and temperament
matching). A species tank is recommended.
After spawning the female should be removed immediately and the male
after a couple of days because they will eat the fry.
Commentary
by Andreas Iliopoulos : Colisa lalia belongs to the family Belondidae,
subfamily Trichogasteridae as all the other known "gouramis",
like Trichogaster trichopterus, T. leeri and T. microlepis.
In contrast, the real gourami is the giant gourami (Osphronemus
gorami) unlike the African labyrinth fishes Anabas anabas, A.
africanus etc.
Thanks to Terry Reeves for his note on
which sex is kept with the fry.
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