Gouramis, or gouramies, are a group of freshwateranabantiform fishes that comprise the familyOsphronemidae. The fish are native to Asia—from Pakistan and India to the Southeast Asia and northeasterly towards Korea. The name "gourami", of Indonesian origin, is also used for fish of the families Helostomatidae and Anabantidae. Many gouramis have an elongated, feeler-like ray at the front of each of their pelvic fins. All living species show parental care: some are mouthbrooders, and others, like the Siamese fighting fish, build bubble nests. Currently, about 133 species are recognised, placed in four subfamilies and about 15 genera. The name Polyacanthidae has also been used for this family. Some fish now classified as gouramis were previously placed in family Anabantidae. The subfamily Belontiinae was recently demoted from the family Belontiidae. As labyrinth fishes, gouramis have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to gulp air and use atmospheric oxygen. This organ is a vital innovation for fish that often inhabit warm, shallow, oxygen-poor water.
Subfamilies and genera
The family Osphronemidae is divided into the following subfamilies and genera:
s, Osphronemus goramy, or Kaloi in Malay language, are eaten in some parts of the world. In Maritime Southeast Asian countries, they are often deep-fried and served in sweet-sour sauce, chili sauce, and other spices. The paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis, and other members of that genus are the target of a cannery industry in China, the products of which are available in oriental supermarkets around the world. Gouramis are particularly found in Sundanese cuisine. In Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, this gouramis are readily fished at streams, brooks, canal, rivers and many more large water area system.
In the aquarium
Numerous gourami species are popular aquarium fish widely kept throughout the world. As labyrinth fish, they will often swim near the top of the tank. As with other tropical freshwater fish, an aquarium heater is often used. Gouramis will eat either prepared or live foods. Some species can grow quite large, and are unsuitable for the general hobbyist. Big Gourami's may become territorial with fish that are colourful and a considerable size to them. If you are trying to create a community tank be sure to talk to someone that is employed by a pet store. Gourami's may nip at other fish. If you have fry in your tank, for instance bristlenose catfish fry, the Gourami will definitely eat them. In this scenario it is best to put the fry in a breeding tank, or find another place for the Gourami, separating them.
Compatibility
Generally regarded as peaceful, gouramis are still capable of harassing or killing smaller or long-finned fish. Depending on the species, adult and juvenile males have been known to spar with one another. Aggression can also occur as a result of overcrowding. Gouramis have been housed with many species, such as danios, mollies, silver dollars, Neon tetras, and plecostomus catfish. Compatibility depends on the species of gourami and the fish it is housed with. Some species are highly aggressive or predatory and may harass or kill smaller or less aggressive fish; whereas others are very shy or have specific water requirements and thus will be outcompeted by typical community fish.
