Breeding of Three Spotted Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) – A Hardy Ornamental Species of Aquarium

The three-spot gourami is a hardy and common ornamental fish of the family Osphronemidae, named for two body spots and a dark eye. It shows unique breeding behavior with strong parental care. Males build bubble nests, followed by courtship and spawning. After spawning, the female is removed due to male aggression, while the male guards the eggs until hatching (26–36 hours). Larvae are reared under controlled conditions and initially fed infusoria and egg custard. Its labyrinth organ allows survival in poor water conditions, and strong parental care with easy larval rearing makes it suitable for sustainable ornamental fish culture.