Platinum Gouramis: A Shimmering Freshwater Aquarium Fish

An Introduction to Platinum Gouramis

Platinum gouramis, with the scientific name Trichopodus trichopterus, are a stunning variety of gourami popular with freshwater aquarium enthusiasts. Sometimes called cosby gouramis or snake skin gouramis, these fish have a beautiful and unique coloration that makes them stand out.

Appearance of Platinum Gouramis

Platinum gouramis have an elongate body shape like other gouramis, with long dorsal and anal fins. Their most striking feature is their shimmering platinum coloration covering their body, which almost seems to glow under aquarium lighting. This platinum sheen comes from dense iridescent silver scaling that reflects light. The scales have a muted snake skin pattern visible when the fish move.

These fish have a solid dark line running laterally along the body from head to tail. Their fins are translucent with an orange tint, making a bold contrast against the pale silvery body. Platinum gouramis grow to around 6 inches long when fully mature.

Platinum Gourami Origin and Habitat

Like other gourami species, platinum gouramis are native to the tropical freshwaters of Southeast Asia. Their wild habitat includes slow moving rivers, streams, rice paddies, and pool areas rich in vegetation. They thrive in warm, humid environments with abundant hiding spots and plant cover.

In the wild, these fish feed on small insects, larvae, crustaceans and plant matter foraged from the water column and surface. Platinum gouramis are a color variant of the three spot gourami Trichopodus trichopterus bred for the aquarium trade.

Housing Platinum Gouramis

Platinum gouramis do best in a well planted aquarium that replicates their natural environment. Provide plenty of hiding spots with floating plants, decorations and driftwood along with open swimming space.

Tank Conditions

This species thrives in warm water between 75-82°F and appreciates stable parameters. Optimal water conditions include a pH of 6.0-8.0 and hardness to 15 dGH. Good filtration and weekly water changes around 25% are recommended.

Tank Size

Provide these fish a minimum tank size of 30 gallons, with larger aquariums allowing room for small schools. Make sure the tank has a cover, as gouramis may jump out if they feel threatened or water conditions drop.

Tank Mates

Platinum gouramis should be kept with similarly sized tropical community fish that enjoy the same water parameters. Some good tank mates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, cory catfish, bristlenose plecos and dwarf gouramis.

Avoid mixing platinum gouramis with aggressive species that may harass or nip fins like tiger barbs. Shrimp and snails can work but may get eaten. Male gouramis can show some aggression toward each other, so provide plenty of line of sight breaks.

Caring for Platinum Gouramis

Caring for platinum gouramis is fairly straightforward when their needs are met. Pay special attention to their diet and social requirements for success.

Diet

In the home aquarium, platinum gouramis accept a varied diet including flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods. Offer a quality omnivore mix containing plant and animal proteins.

Supplement their diet daily with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia or mosquito larvae. Feed only an amount they can consume within a few minutes 1-2 times per day.

Behavior

Platinum gouramis display interesting behaviors like other gouramis. Males may confront each other with flared fins and engage in bubble nest building. Provide multiples of decor to break up lines of sight.

These fish spend time near the middle to upper levels of the tank. Floating plants on the surface offer security while open areas let them explore. Handle platinum gouramis gently when moving between aquariums.

Breeding

Breeding platinum gouramis involves conditioning a pair on high quality live and frozen foods, then introducing them to a planted spawning tank. The male constructs a bubble nest near the surface while courting the female.

After she deposits up to 800 eggs, the male fertilizes them and gathers them in the bubble nest for protection. The parents should then be removed, and the fry can be raised on plankton and brine shrimp nauplii.

Common Platinum Gourami Health Issues

Providing good care helps keep platinum gouramis healthy, but they can develop some aquarium fish diseases. Stay alert for signs of illness and treat appropriately.

Ich

Ich, or white spot disease, is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It presents as small white dots across fish. Treat with an ich medication like Ich-X.

Fin Rot

Fin rot appears as fraying, redness and erosion of fins, often caused by poor water quality. Improve conditions and use antibiotics or antifungal fish medications.

Dropsy

Dropsy makes fish swell up with fluid due to kidney failure. Fish develop a "pinecone" look. It is difficult to cure once started, so prevention with good care is key.

Tips for Keeping Platinum Gouramis

Following best practices helps ensure platinum gouramis thrive for years to come in home aquariums:

• Perform 25% partial water changes weekly
• Test water parameters regularly and maintain ideal conditions
• Feed a high quality varied diet with supplementation
• Provide plenty of plants and decor for cover
• Use peaceful tank mates appropriate for community tanks
• Quarantine new arrivals before adding to display tank

Why Keep Platinum Gouramis?

Platinum gouramis deserve consideration from aquarists looking for unique, eye catching freshwater fish. Their bright coloration stands out beautifully against planted backgrounds.

These personable fish display interesting social behaviors like bubble nest building. While they have some specific care needs, their requirements are easily met in most home aquariums.

For those seeking a stunning showpiece fish, platinum gouramis should top the list! Stop by your local pet store or specialty aquarium shop to appreciate these shimmering beauties in person soon.

FAQs

How big do platinum gouramis grow?

Platinum gouramis reach about 6 inches in length when fully grown.

Are platinum gouramis aggressive?

Males may show some aggression toward one another, especially when breeding, but these fish are not generally aggressive. They do well in peaceful community tanks.

What do platinum gouramis eat?

Platinum gouramis are omnivores that accept flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods in captivity. Feed them a varied diet with supplementation.

How can I breed platinum gouramis?

Breeding involves conditioning a pair, introducing them to a spawning tank, and allowing the male to build a bubble nest to protect the eggs after spawning occurs. Then remove the parents and raise the fry.