Pearl gourami or Lace gourami

Description:

These fish reach about 12 centimetres (5 in) TL. The body is a brownish-silver colour, covered in a pearl-like pattern with a distinct black 'lace' running from the fish's head, and gradually thinning towards the caudal fin. The patterning of this fish has given rise to many popular names, such as the Lace Gourami and the Mosaic Gourami. The 'lace' refers to the long black line running through the fish's body, whereas 'Mosaic' refers more towards the pearl, or mosaic-like patterning of the body. Male specimens of this fish, typical of many gouramis, are generally larger and more colourful than their female counterparts. They exhibit bright orange colouring around the throat region, which at breeding time becomes much brighter and is used to court the female. Males also exhibit somewhat of an orange tinge in their fins, with the exception of the caudal (tail) fin. The male also has longer fins, with a more pointed dorsal fin and extended anal fin rays.

Habitat:

Male specimens of this fish, typical of many gouramis, are generally larger and more colourful than their female counterparts. They exhibit bright orange colouring around the throat region, which at breeding time becomes much brighter and is used to court the female. Males also exhibit somewhat of an orange tinge in their fins, with the exception of the caudal (tail) fin. The male also has longer fins, with a more pointed dorsal fin and extended anal fin rays.

Notes:

The pearl gourami has a very unusual and beautiful mating dance. The male builds a nest of tiny, durable bubbles. The female takes a position under the nest and the male curves his body tightly around her, from underneath, as if holding her. Her body quivers while she expels a few eggs. Next he releases her and picks up the eggs in his mouth, as they are slowly sinking, then he spits them into the bubble nest. This sequence is repeated several times, till she has completes her egg-laying. The fry are very tiny at hatching. The male takes responsibility for the fry, rescuing them and spitting them back into the nest if they fall out. As they grow, some tend to grow faster than others, and will exhibit fratricide, eating their smaller siblings.