Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata)

Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata)

A Croaking Gourami found in a freshwater pond at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. (Photograph by: Lumin Ong)

Family: Osphronemidae

Species Name: Trichopsis vittata
Common Name: Croaking Gourami
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Rural ponds and slow-moving freshwater streams.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (Red Data Book 3)

The Croaking Gourami is one of two gouramis extant in Singapore and can be recognized by its streamlined, betta-like shape with horizontal stripes. Mature individuals can display a beautiful green-blue body coupled with black or red spots. Growing up to 6 or 7cm, this small fish inhabits open countryside water bodies such as ponds but can also be found in slow-moving freshwater streams in our nature reserves. They feed on small invertebrates and some plant matter if allowed.

Being an anabantoid, they possess a lung-like organ called the labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air. This adaptation aids in their versatility when living in poorly-oxygenated waters, which is typical of stagnant water bodies. The males make bubble nests which will be used to raise the eggs and fry after mating.

These gouramis are able to produce a "croaking" sound using their pectoral fins, which they rapidly beat and the swim bladder then helps to amplify the sound caused by their tendons (much like a stringed instrument).

References

• Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
• National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.