Banded Gourami | Colisa fasciata
Labyrinth Fish / Belontiidae / Banded Gourami
Profile: Banded Gourami
Colisa fasciata
Synonyms: Colisa bejeus, C. ponticeriana, C. vulgaris, Polyacanthus fasciatus, Trichogaster fasciatus, Trichopodus bejeus, T. colisa, T. cotra
Physical description: C. fasciata has an elongated, oval-shaped, laterally compressed body. The caudal fin is fan-shaped and the ventral fins are long and slender-almost thread-like. The back is olive to bright orange, while the belly is dull turquoise-orange. The flanks are orange, marked with several slender, transverse, turquoise stripes. The ventral fins are orange to red, while the anal fin is is bluish with a red edging. The caudal fin is orange, and the dorsal fin is both turquoise and orange. The iris of the eye may be orange. Females are less colorful, with a white-silver belly region.
Size/Length: To 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: This species closely resembles C. labiosa, and is somewhat similar to the stocky-bodied C. lalia .
Habitat: India; Bengal; Myanmar (Burma); possibly Thailand
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 10-20 gallons (38-75 L) is sufficient. Use a dark substrate and place plants along the edges of the tank. Leave an open swimming area. Like most Gouramis, C. fasciata prefers shallow tanks.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (7.0), 4-15°dH (8), 70-82°F (21-28°C)
Social behavior: A species suitable for a community tank except at spawning times when fish become territorial. This fish may be timid during acclimation.
Suggested companions: Other Colisa species, Corydoras , barbs, Loaches, Trichogaster, Angelfish, Loricarids.
FOOD: Flakes; pellets; chopped vegetables; live; Tubifex, insect larvae, Brine Shrimp
Sexual differences: Males have a darker body color and have more pointed dorsal fins.
Breeding techniques: Use a separate breeding tank for the pair having a temperature from 79-84°F (26-29°C), a pH from 6.3-6.7, and a water hardness from 2-6°dH. The tank should be shallow and not have any water current. The male constructs a bubble nest, that can measure up to 5" (13 cm) in diameter. Spawning behavior is similar to that of other Labyrinth fish, with the male embracing the female, which is followed by intense shaking.
The eggs, numbering from 500-1000, float to the surface and are corralled by the male in the bubble nest. The female should be removed following the spawning as the male aggressively guards the nest. Remove the male after the eggs hatch about 24 hours later. The fry resemble small hairs near the surface of the water. Begin feeding with roftiers and infusoria. After a week or two, the young can be fed with powdered dry foods and Brine Shrimp nauplii.
Breeding potential: 6. Breeding requires a separate tank, but is not especially difficult.
Remarks: This species can be crossed with C. labiosa.
Difficulty of care: 2. This hardy species is recommended for the beginning aquariast.