Fishby LogoFishby

Giant Gourami

Manusear com cuidado

Osphronemus goramy

Também conhecido como: True Gourami, Common Gourami, Bandung Gourami, Kaloi

Tem uma foto? Identifique peixes instantaneamente com o app Fishby.

Abrir o app

Descrição

Osphronemus goramy, commonly known as the Giant Gourami, is a large species of gourami native to Southeast Asia. It is highly valued as a food fish and is also popular in the aquarium trade, particularly when young. Known for its robust body, distinctive facial features, and labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe atmospheric air, this species can grow to an impressive size.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
compressed
Coloração
Juveniles are typically silvery-grey with several dark vertical bands and often a black spot at the base of the caudal fin and another on the shoulder. As they mature, the coloration becomes more uniform, ranging from greyish-brown to golden-yellow, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Older specimens may develop a prominent nuchal hump and thickened lips.
Tipo de escama
ctenoid
Posição da boca
terminal
Características distintivas
Large, robust, and laterally compressed body., Thick, fleshy lips, especially in older individuals., Long, filamentous pelvic fins that act as tactile organs., Possession of a labyrinth organ for atmospheric air breathing., Prominent nuchal hump in mature males.
Nadadeira dorsal
Single, long dorsal fin with 11-16 spines and 10-14 soft rays.
Nadadeira caudal
Rounded caudal fin.
Nadadeira peitoral
Large and rounded.
Nadadeiras características
Pelvic fins are modified into long, filamentous feelers, extending almost to the caudal fin.

Dicas de identificação

Size and Body Shape

Distinguished by its large, deep, and laterally compressed body, reaching up to 70 cm (28 inches) in length and weighing over 10 kg (22 lbs).

Pelvic Fins

The most striking feature is the pair of long, thread-like pelvic fins, which are sensory organs.

Facial Features

Possesses thick, fleshy lips and, in mature males, a pronounced nuchal hump on the forehead.

Coloration (Juvenile vs. Adult)

Juveniles have distinct vertical bands and spots, which fade into a more uniform grey-brown to golden-yellow in adults.

Habitat

Tipo de água
freshwater
Profundidade
Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near the surface.
Ambiente
Slow-moving or stagnant waters of rivers, lakes, swamps, canals, and floodplains. Prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation and submerged roots, providing cover and food sources. Tolerant of low oxygen conditions due to its labyrinth organ.
Distribuição geográfica
Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo), and the Mekong basin. Widely introduced to other tropical and subtropical regions globally for aquaculture and as an ornamental fish.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: advanced
  • Temperamento: semi-aggressive
  • Alimentação: omnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 250 gallons (946 liters) for a single adult
  • Temperatura: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • Nível de pH: 6.5-8.0
  • Dureza da água: 5-20 dGH
  • Compatibilidade: Best kept alone or with other very large, robust, and similarly tempered fish. Avoid small or fin-nipping species. Can be aggressive towards conspecifics, especially in smaller tanks.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires a very large aquarium with ample swimming space. Good filtration is essential due to their large size and waste production. Provide hiding spots with large driftwood or rocks. A tight-fitting lid is necessary as they can jump. Access to the water surface for air breathing is crucial.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: least concern
  • Sazonalidade: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, but they are available year-round due to aquaculture.
  • Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region and size; often a high-value food fish in its native range, and a moderately priced aquarium fish when young.
  • Importância comercial: high
  • Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet, and often described as having a delicate flavor.
  • Textura: Firm, flaky white flesh with few bones.
  • Métodos de preparo: Frying, Grilling, Steaming, Curries, Soups
  • Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatos principais

Air Breatherbehavior

The Giant Gourami possesses a labyrinth organ, a specialized respiratory organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air directly. This adaptation enables it to survive in oxygen-depleted waters.

Parental Carebehavior

Males construct bubble nests among aquatic vegetation to house the eggs and fry. They exhibit strong parental care, guarding the nest and young until they are free-swimming.

Longevityinteresting

In optimal conditions, Giant Gouramis can live for 15-20 years, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.

Dietary Flexibilitybehavior

While primarily herbivorous, especially as adults, they are opportunistic omnivores and will consume insects, small fish, and crustaceans, demonstrating their adaptability in various environments.

Cultural Significanceinteresting

In many parts of Southeast Asia, the Giant Gourami is not only a highly prized food fish but also holds cultural significance, sometimes being kept in ponds for good luck or as a status symbol.

Informações de segurança

Manusear com cuidado
  • Nível de segurança: caution
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: edible
  • Observações de manuseio: While not venomous, adult Giant Gouramis can deliver a powerful bite due to their size and strong jaws. Handle with care, especially larger specimens, to avoid injury. Their spines are not venomous but can cause punctures. When handling for aquaculture or medical purposes, use appropriate protective gear.

Espécies similares

Kissing Gourami

Helostoma temminckii

Kissing Gouramis are generally smaller, have a more elongated body, and possess a distinctive 'kissing' mouth structure. Their coloration is typically silvery-pink or green, lacking the prominent vertical bands of juvenile Giant Gouramis or the nuchal hump of adult males.

Three Spot Gourami

Trichopodus trichopterus

Significantly smaller than the Giant Gourami, reaching only about 15 cm (6 inches). They have two distinct spots on their body (plus the eye, making it 'three spots') and a more oval body shape. Their pelvic fins are also filamentous but proportionally shorter than those of O. goramy.

Snakeskin Gourami

Trichopodus pectoralis

Also much smaller, growing up to 25 cm (10 inches). They have a more elongated body and a distinctive 'snakeskin' pattern of diagonal stripes. Their pelvic fins are filamentous but not as long as those of the Giant Gourami.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Anabantiformes
Família
Osphronemidae
Gênero
Osphronemus
Espécie
Osphronemus goramy

Explore Giant Gourami

Identifique peixes em qualquer lugar

Grátis para iOS, Android e web. Identificação por foto, detalhes completos das espécies e muito mais.

Abrir no app