Freshwater
Snakeskin gourami
Trichopodus pectoralis
Osphronemidae, Trichogastrinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 25 cm
- Body shape
- Deep-bodied
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 375 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Introduced to Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, and 1 more country.
Videos
Snorkelling a Suspiciously Clear Irrigation Canal in Thailand | Gourami, Snakeheads, Rasbora & more!
Rodrigo SilvaOct 6, 2026
Snorkelling a Suspiciously Clear Rice Field | Exploring Eastern Thailand EP2
Rodrigo SilvaJul 24, 2026
More about the species
Description
Found in shallow sluggish or standing-water habitats with a lot of aquatic vegetation. Occurs in flooded forests of the lower Mekong and gradually moves back to rivers and Great Lake as floodwaters recede. Generally feeds on aquatic plants. Can breathe air directly, as well as absorb oxygen from water through its gills. The flesh is of good quality; may be grilled or used for fish soup. In Thailand there is a trade of dried pla salid for the benefit of people in areas where it is not caught (Ref 2686). Cultured both for food and for export as aquarium fish. Marketed fresh. Highly economic species; both by capture and culture includes in the peat areas.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Trichogaster pectoralis
In other languages
- Ormskinnsgurami
- Slangeskindsgurami
- Bubble nest builder, Gourami, Siamese gourami, Snakeskin gouramy, Three-spot gurammy
Articles
All articles
Fin rot and columnaris4 min read
Bacteria that attack the fins, mouth and skin, nearly always after poor water. When water changes are enough, and when more is needed.
Velvet and dropsy4 min read
Velvet is a fast-moving parasite. Dropsy is a sign that something is seriously wrong inside the fish. How to recognize them, and what you can do.
How to set up an Asian aquarium5 min read
Two aquariums from Southeast Asia: calm forest streams and peat swamps with soft, brown water, and fast mountain streams with cool, oxygen-rich water.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.