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Bubble nest builder (Trichopodus pectoralis) — Osphronemidae

Bubble nest builder

Trichopodus pectoralis
Family: Osphronemidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bubble nest builder (Trichopodus pectoralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
4.0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The snakeskin gourami is a labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from Southeast Asia. The species has a laterally compressed, grey-green body with a snakeskin-like pattern of oblique lines and thread-like elongated pelvic fins. It inhabits shallow, slow-flowing or standing waters with plenty of aquatic plants and flooded areas. Like other labyrinth fishes it can gulp air, so it tolerates oxygen-poor water. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and plant matter. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bubble nest builder?

The Bubble nest builder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Bubble nest builder live?

The Bubble nest builder lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bubble nest builder get?

The Bubble nest builder grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Bubble nest builder dangerous to humans?

No, the Bubble nest builder is harmless to humans.

Is the Bubble nest builder edible?

Yes, the Bubble nest builder is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slangenhuidgoerami sourced
English name
Bubble nest builder verified
Scientific name
Trichopodus pectoralis
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Gourami; Siamese gourami; Snakeskin gourami verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Trichopodus

More from the family Osphronemidae

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