Snakeskin Gourami

Trichopodus pectoralis

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 Southeast Asia

A large gourami from Southeast Asia reaching 8–10 inches, displaying a subtle but attractive pattern of fine horizontal lines and speckles resembling snakeskin on a brownish-green body. It is a hardy, peaceful giant compared to other gouramis and is widely eaten as a food fish in its native range; in aquariums it requires a large tank of 75+ gallons.

Size10"

Min Tank40g

peaceful

Zonetop

Care Guide

Diet

Snakeskin Gouramis are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, sinking pellets, and regular supplements of frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes, adjusting portions based on tank conditions and the fish's appetite.

Behavior

A peaceful, hardy giant gourami that spends most time in the upper water column, though it will explore mid-levels. They are generally solitary or tolerant of conspecifics in larger tanks, displaying minimal aggression compared to smaller gourami species. Males may show mild territorial behavior during breeding season but rarely cause serious harm to tank mates.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon in home aquariums. Males build bubble nests and will guard eggs and fry aggressively; breeding requires a separate tank of at least 75 gallons with dense vegetation and stable warm water (78-82°F). Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro pellets.

Tank Mates

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones and pose no threat or competition

excellent

Bristlenose Pleco

Peaceful algae eater that occupies different zones; avoid overstocking with other large fish

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that stay in mid-water and have similar water parameter requirements

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Small, active schooling fish that occupy mid-levels without competing with the gourami

excellent

Gold Mystery Snail

Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control and poses no threat to the gourami

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise water temperature gradually to 86°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp tank décor, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; ensure water parameters remain stable

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, ulcers on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate if possible, maintain pristine water conditions and reduce tank stocking density

Velvet (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature to 82-86°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment or salt therapy; avoid carbon in filter during treatment