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Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) — Osphronemidae

Thick-lipped gourami

Trichogaster labiosa
Family: Osphronemidae
NativeIntroduced

The Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Myanmar
Edibility
Highly prized

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Description

The thick-lipped gourami is a labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from shallow, slow-flowing fresh water of Myanmar and nearby in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with conspicuously thick lips and thread-like pelvic fins that serve as feelers; males show blue and orange oblique bands. As a labyrinth fish it can gulp air in oxygen-poor water. It eats small invertebrates, larvae and algae, and the male builds a bubble nest. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thick-lipped gourami?

The Thick-lipped gourami has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Thick-lipped gourami live?

The Thick-lipped gourami lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Myanmar

How big does the Thick-lipped gourami get?

The Thick-lipped gourami grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Thick-lipped gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Thick-lipped gourami is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Thick-lipped gourami edible?

Yes, the Thick-lipped gourami is a highly prized food fish.

More photos

Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) — Osphronemidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) myomyintthu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) — Osphronemidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Niran Anurakpongsathorn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) — Osphronemidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) luiwenkang, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Thick-lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) — Osphronemidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) bowuzhizhi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Thick-lipped gourami sourced
Scientific name
Trichogaster labiosa
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Thicklip gourami; Thick-lipped gourami; Thick lipped gourami verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Myanmar sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trichogaster

More from the family Osphronemidae

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