| Family: |
Osphronemidae (Gouramies), subfamily: Trichogastrinae |
| Max. size: |
14 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7; dH range: 2 - 25 |
| Distribution: |
Asia: originally occurring in the Mekong in Cambodia and Viet Nam and Chao Phraya basins (Ref. 43281). Introduced in the Mekong basin in Thailand and expected in Laos (Ref. 43281). A popular aquarium species which appeared in Colombia because of escapes from aquarium rearing facilities (Ref. 1739). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-4. Trichopodus microlepis is distinguished from other congeners by having the following characters: body silvery or grey without distinct markings; dorsal fin with 3-4 spines; 57-65 scales on lateral line; 34-40 transverse scales; and length of dorsal-fin base 14.5-17.3% SL (Ref. 97359). |
| Biology: |
Found in ponds and swamps (Ref. 43281). Occurs in shallow sluggish or standing water habitats with a lot of aquatic vegetation. Common in the floodplain of the lower Mekong. Feeds on zooplankton, crustaceans and aquatic insects (Ref. 12693). An air-breathing species (Ref. 118402). Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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