Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

A Three Spot Gourami found in a freshwater pond at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Family: Osphronemidae

Species Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
Common Name: Three Spot Gourami
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Rural ponds and slow-moving freshwater streams.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (Red Data Book 3)

The Three Spot Gourami is one popular aquarium fish that is native to Singapore, where it inhabits open countryside waterbodies such as ponds but can also be found in slow-moving forest streams. The colour of this fish is variable, which they come in either powdery blue to almost golden brown. They are named so for the two spots on each side of their bodies, which together with their eyes form the "three spots". These medium-sized fishes can grow up to 15cm and feed on small invertebrates with their small mouths, but might take some plant matter too.

Like all anabantoids, they possess a lung-like organ called the labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This trait makes such fishes very hardy as they are usually found in poorly oxygenated waters. Similar to the Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) and a lot of other Osphronemids, the males build bubble nests it raises the eggs and fry in after breeding.

(All photographs by: Lumin Ong)

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.