Trichopodus microlepis (Günther, 1861)
Moonlight gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
photo by Broad, C.

 Family:  Osphronemidae (Gouramies), subfamily: Luciocephalinae
 Max. size:  13 cm SL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  demersal; 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. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 26.11.91
 Modified by: Torres, Armi G. - 27.10.15
 Checked by: Froese, Rainer - 09.02.95

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