Como identificar Kissing Gourami

Para identificar Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Typically pale green to silvery-pink, with some individuals exhibiting a more pronounced pink or 'albino' coloration (often selectively bred). Wild specimens are usually greenish-grey. Some may have faint vertical bands.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Large, thick, fleshy lips, Small, comb-like teeth on the lips, Laterally compressed body, Absence of a lateral line (or very indistinct), Rough scales

Nadadeira dorsal

Long, extending almost the entire length of the back, with 16-18 spines and 13-16 soft rays.

Nadadeira caudal

Rounded to slightly emarginate.

Nadadeira peitoral

Well-developed and fan-shaped.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are small and thread-like, located beneath the pectoral fins.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Lips

   The most distinguishing feature is the large, fleshy lips, which are used for grazing on algae and for the characteristic 'kissing' behavior.

2. 2

   Body Coloration

   Wild specimens are typically greenish-grey, while aquarium strains often display pink or albino variations. Look for the overall body shape and fin structure.

3. 3

   Size

   Adults can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length, making them one of the larger gourami species.

4. 4

   Absence of Lateral Line

   Unlike many fish, Helostoma temminckii either lacks a lateral line or it is very indistinct, which can be a subtle but useful identification marker.

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