Home · Osphronemidae · Croaking gourami
Croaking gourami (Trichopsis vittata) — Osphronemidae

Croaking gourami

Trichopsis vittata
Family: Osphronemidae
LC · Least Concern

The Croaking gourami (Trichopsis vittata) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The croaking gourami is a small labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with dark longitudinal stripes. It inhabits shallow, slow-flowing or standing waters with abundant vegetation, and is common in the middle and lower Mekong. Like other labyrinth fishes it can gulp air in oxygen-poor water with an accessory breathing organ. Characteristic is the croaking sound the fish makes with specialised pectoral-fin tendons, especially during courtship and territorial disputes. It feeds on small invertebrates and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Croaking gourami?

The Croaking gourami has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Croaking gourami live?

The Croaking gourami lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Croaking gourami get?

The Croaking gourami grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Croaking gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Croaking gourami is harmless to humans.

Is the Croaking gourami edible?

The Croaking gourami is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Knorrende goerami sourced
English name
Croaking gourami verified
Scientific name
Trichopsis vittata
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Croaking gourami; Talking gourami verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Average length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Trichopsis

More from the family Osphronemidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →