Thick-lipped gourami

Adults can reach a length of approximately 10 cm. Males are distinguished by their larger size and brighter coloration; they also have pointed dorsal and anal fins. The body pattern is dominated by orange and blue hues, forming vertical, slightly oblique stripes.

Its natural habitat is Southern Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia. The thick-lipped gourami can be found in slow-flowing rivers and streams, as well as in man-made lakes and ponds. It prefers areas with dense floating vegetation, avoiding open water sections.

The fish is characterized by a calm and gentle disposition; intraspecific conflicts are uncharacteristic for it. It thrives in large groups and is ideal for a community tank, sometimes appearing even more attractive than the popular dwarf gourami. It is compatible with most other peaceful species, but cohabitation with the banded gourami should be avoided to prevent hybrid offspring.

For a single pair of these fish, an aquarium of at least 70 liters is required. It is advisable to use a dark substrate and plenty of shade-loving floating plants in the setup. Hiding places in the form of driftwood or other decorative elements will be a useful addition. Optimal keeping conditions imply subdued lighting and gentle filtration that does not create a strong current. For water, neutral pH values with low to medium hardness (dGH) are preferred. The aquarium should be equipped with a lid to prevent fish from jumping out. The lid also helps maintain a warm and humid air layer above the water surface, which is critically important for the respiration of labyrinth fish. Aquarium maintenance involves cleaning the substrate of organic waste and weekly partial water changes (10–15% of the total volume).

The thick-lipped gourami is not picky about food and readily accepts most common dry, frozen, and live foods. To maintain the vibrant coloration of the fish, it is recommended to include a combination of several types of food in their daily diet.

For spawning, it is recommended to prepare a separate tank. A small aquarium of 30–40 liters, filled only halfway to simulate shallow water, with an abundant amount of floating plants, will be suitable. The water parameters should correspond to the conditions of the main aquarium. Equipment will include a simple air-driven filter, a heater, and a low-power lamp. A lid on such an aquarium is essential. In artificial conditions, the breeding season can begin at any time of the year. When some females become noticeably rounded and males acquire a richer coloration, this signals the preparation of the spawning tank. The female is moved first, and the male joins her a few days later. Typically, he immediately begins to build a bubble nest among dense plant thickets, which can reach 5 cm or more in diameter. Spawning itself is a kind of “embrace,” during which eggs and milt are released. The male carefully transfers the fertilized eggs to the nest. After this, the female no longer participates in caring for the offspring. The male, however, remains to guard the clutch and fry for the first few days of their lives until they begin to swim freely in search of food. This period lasts approximately 4–5 days, after which the male can be returned to the main aquarium.

The main cause of most diseases in Leaf Fish is unsuitable keeping conditions and poor-quality nutrition. If initial symptoms are observed, it is first necessary to check water parameters and the concentration of dangerous substances such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. If the indicators deviate from the norm, they should be brought back into order, and only then should treatment begin. More detailed information on symptoms and treatment methods can be found in the "Aquarium Fish Diseases" section.

When choosing a thick-lipped gourami, it is important to assess the fish's overall condition: it should be active, without visible damage, ulcers, or white film on the scales. Healthy individuals show natural curiosity and do not constantly hide in the corners of the aquarium. Avoid purchasing fish with sunken bellies or unnaturally bloated abdomens, as this may indicate internal diseases.

• pay attention to the fins: they should be intact, without signs of splitting or erosion of the edges;
• check the condition of the eyes: they should be clear, not cloudy, and without bulging;
• observe their behavior: healthy thick-lipped gouramis swim confidently, periodically rising to the surface for air, but do not constantly hover there in an apathetic state.