Blue Neon Dwarf Rasbora Though it has the same basic coloration as the regular Dwarf Gourami... the Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami has a lot more blue! The commonly available and popular Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is one of the most notable color morphs of the Dwarf Gourami Trichogaster lalius. This variety is truly striking with its much more intensive amount of blue than its parentage. It has a bright turquoise to neon blue color accented with strong vertical dark red stripes. It was developed by breeders selectively pairing specimens for these desirable characteristics and strengthening them over several generations. This color variety may be referred to as the Rainbow Gourami when the blue coloring has a shiny metallic cast to it. This is a very striking fish that makes a great show specimen for the aquarium. Other than the more intense blue coloration however, this fish is the same in all respects as the regular Dwarf Gourami. It stays fairly small with the males reaching only about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. The females are a bit smaller at around 2 1/3 inches (6 cm). This fish is a Labyrinth fish, which are distinguished by their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen. Like all fish they have gills, but they also have an additional respiratory apparatus called the labyrinth organ. This gives them the ability to breath oxygen by gulping air at the surface of the water. Another labyrinth fish characteristic this fish displays is that of being a bubble nest builder. In an aquarium with an active male, you can see a cluster of bubbles on the top of the water. Once the female lays the eggs, the male will pick them up in his mouth and put them in his bubble nest and will continue to guard the eggs until they hatch. Like its predecessors, this variety makes a very good fish for the beginner and is enjoyed by advanced aquarists as well. Their aquarium needs, care and feeding are the same as their parentage. They are quite hardy as long as their water is kept clean with regular water changes. It is undemanding and fairly easy to breed as well. They do need plenty of plant cover not only for nest building, but also to provide plenty of places to hide. With its small size a single fish could be kept in a smaller aquarium of at least 5 gallons, however a 10 gallon tank will suit it much better. A larger tank allows for a better planted arrangement and the water will be more stable. In a larger tank there will be room for some companions as well. Being a peaceful fish makes them a good addition to a community tank but they can be a little timid, especially if housed with fish that pester them. Fish that are very active, large or aggressive fish will cause them to withdraw. On the other hand fish that are gaudily colored, like guppies and bettas, as well as other dwarf gouramis, will bring out a territorial aggression in them. The best tankmates are other species of small, peaceful fish. The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is one of a number of beautiful varieties that have been developed and are readily available today. Some of the other popular varieties include the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami, also known as the Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami or Blue Dwarf Gourami and the Flame Dwarf Gourami, also known as the Fire Red or Blood Red Dwarf Gourami.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 19:37:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015