The Opaline Gourami is a striking and peaceful freshwater fish that adds a touch of beauty and tranquility to any aquarium. With their opalescent and iridescent scales, Opaline Gouramis are a popular choice among aquarists who seek a captivating centerpiece fish for their community tanks. Originating from Southeast Asia, these gouramis are known for their peaceful nature and labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air from the water's surface. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable fish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Opalescent Scales: The Opaline Gourami showcases a unique blend of opalescent colors that shimmer and change under different lighting conditions, creating a mesmerizing and elegant appearance.
• Size: They are medium-sized fish, reaching an adult length of around 4 inches (10 centimeters).

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) to ensure the well-being of Opaline Gouramis.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderately hard water with a hardness level between 5 and 20 dGH.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain excellent water quality.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Opaline Gouramis should be kept in a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) to accommodate their size and provide ample swimming space.
• Aquascape: Create a natural environment with live plants, floating vegetation, and driftwood to mimic their native habitats.
• Peaceful Tank Mates: They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: Opaline Gouramis are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods.
• High-Quality Flakes and Pellets: Offer high-quality flakes or pellets suitable for medium-sized tropical fish as their primary diet.
• Supplementary Foods: Provide occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to supplement their diet.

Care:

• Peaceful Nature: Opaline Gouramis are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.
• Labyrinth Organ: As labyrinth fish, they have the ability to breathe air from the water's surface, making a small gap for them to breathe is important.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.