Order : Anabantiformes
Family : OSPHRONEMIDAE
Species : Trichopodus trichopterus
Maximum Length : 15 cm

The Three-spot Gouramy is a handsome fish much loved by aquarists. In its native habitat it survives in a variety of waters including slow forest stream, freshwater swamps and lakes.

It is identified by the arrangement of spots - one at the base of the tail, another in mid-flank, and the third being the eye. The fins are attractively patterned with lines and speckles, particularly the tail fin. The mouth is small, and it feeds on plankton, tiny insects and the larvae of crustaceans.

The species is widely distributed in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo and the Philippines.


Figs 1 and 2 : Two examples in a rural pond and open-country stream, Singapore.

Fig 3 : A Three-spot Gouramy in a stream issuing from a freshwater swamp in Peninsular Malaysia.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.