Snakeskin Gourami – Trichopodus pectoralis

Among labyrinth fish kept in home aquaria, the snakeskin gourami Trichopodus pectoralis is often overshadowed by its more colourful cousins. Yet this peaceful, elegant species offers a unique combination of size, calm behaviour and hardiness that makes it an outstanding choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Below you will find a comprehensive guide to its requirements, behaviour and breeding, prepared with practical aquarium keeping in mind. At MB Store you will also find suitable aquariums and dedicated equipment to create optimal conditions for this fascinating species.

Natural habitat and appearance of the snakeskin gourami

The snakeskin gourami originates from Southeast Asia, where it inhabits slow-flowing rivers, canals, rice paddies and flooded fields. These waters are usually warm, soft to moderately hard, often densely overgrown with plants and rich in natural hiding places. The species is adapted to low-oxygen environments thanks to its labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe atmospheric air at the water surface. This adaptation is one of the key reasons why the species does so well in a variety of aquarium conditions.

In terms of appearance, Trichopodus pectoralis is a relatively large gourami, with adults commonly reaching 15–20 cm in length, and occasionally more in spacious aquaria. The body is elongated, laterally compressed and covered in a characteristic grey‑olive pattern that resembles the scales of a snake, which inspired its common name. Along the flanks, subtle horizontal bands and marbled spots form a delicate, shimmering pattern that becomes especially attractive under appropriate aquarium lighting.

The snakeskin gourami has long, filamentous ventral fins that function almost like tactile organs. With these it can gently “probe” its surroundings and other fish. The dorsal fin is elongated but not tall, while the anal fin extends far towards the caudal fin, giving the fish a streamlined, elegant silhouette. Sexing adult specimens is possible but not as straightforward as in some other gourami species. Males tend to be slightly slimmer, may have more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and sometimes display more intense colouration, especially during courtship. Females are usually fuller in the belly area, particularly when ripe with eggs.

In nature, the snakeskin gourami is valued not only among aquarists but also as a food fish in some Asian countries, where it is bred in ponds and rice fields. This background explains the species’ resilience and adaptability. When transferred to an aquarium, it can thrive in a wide range of water parameters, provided basic stability and good care are maintained. Thanks to these characteristics, the species has become a permanent feature in the global aquarium hobby, even if it does not always enjoy the same fame as more vividly coloured gouramis.

Key water parameters and recommended tank size

When planning to keep snakeskin gouramis, one of the first considerations is aquarium size. Despite their peaceful disposition, these fish grow relatively large and require ample space to swim and establish a natural hierarchy. For a small group of three to four individuals, a tank of at least 200 litres is recommended, with a length of 100–120 cm. Larger groups or community setups with other species will benefit from even more volume, as this helps prevent territorial disputes and ensures stable water conditions.

Water parameters for Trichopodus pectoralis can be quite flexible, but it is worth replicating its natural environment as closely as possible. The optimal temperature range is 24–30 °C, with many aquarists settling around 26–28 °C for a comfortable compromise between the needs of the gouramis and many popular community fish. The pH can vary from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, roughly 6.0–7.8. General hardness in the range of 4–15 dGH is usually well tolerated, which again demonstrates the species’ adaptability.

Although the snakeskin gourami tolerates a broad spectrum of conditions, sudden fluctuations should be avoided. Stable parameters are more important than trying to achieve a perfectly textbook value. Regular partial water changes, typically 20–30 % weekly, keep nitrate levels low and maintain water clarity. A gentle but efficient filtration system is advisable. While the fish does not require strong current, a canister filter or a high‑quality internal filter with adjustable flow is ideal, ensuring both mechanical and biological filtration without creating excessive water movement.

Because of the labyrinth organ, it is essential to maintain a warm layer of air above the water surface. Covering the aquarium with a lid or glass cover not only prevents the fish from jumping out but also helps keep the air above the surface close to tank temperature. A strong temperature difference between water and ambient air could stress the fish as it gulps air. In addition, covering reduces evaporation and stabilises pH and hardness. MB Store offers a range of aquariums with fitted covers, as well as separate lids that can be adapted to individual setups.

Aquascaping and equipment for a comfortable environment

Snakeskin gouramis feel most secure in well‑structured aquaria with numerous hiding places and shaded areas. When designing the interior of the tank, it is worth taking into account their natural biotopes. Use a dark substrate, such as fine gravel or sand, which accentuates their subtle colours and reduces stress. Large pieces of driftwood, root structures and stones can be arranged to create safe zones and visual barriers, especially useful if keeping more than one male or combining them with other sizeable fish.

Plants play a huge role in the comfort of Trichopodus pectoralis. The species particularly appreciates dense vegetation along the back and sides of the tank and floating plants that dim the light. Species such as Ceratophyllum, Limnobium, Salvinia or Pistia are ideal at the surface, while rooted plants like Cryptocoryne, Hygrophila, Vallisneria or Java fern provide shelter and resting places. At the same time, it is sensible to leave open swimming areas in the front and centre of the aquarium, where the fish can display their calm, gliding movement.

Lighting should not be overly intense. Moderate light, slightly shaded by floating plants, best replicates their natural habitats. Modern LED systems, available in MB Store, allow you to regulate brightness and spectrum, which facilitates plant growth while ensuring that the fish are not dazzled. Gentle day–night transitions with timers help stabilise behavioural rhythms and reduce stress, particularly in community aquaria with multiple species.

Regarding filtration and aeration, snakeskin gouramis do not like turbulent water. A filter that offers a large biological surface with moderate flow is ideal. If additional aeration is used, it should not produce excessively strong currents near the surface, which is frequently visited by these fish to breathe. A heater with a reliable thermostat keeps the temperature steady, and in larger tanks it may be wise to use two heaters placed at opposite ends to avoid temperature gradients.

MB Store provides a wide selection of aquariums, filters, heaters, LED lighting systems and other technical solutions that make it simple to create an environment tailored to the needs of snakeskin gouramis. When selecting equipment, always consider the final size of the fish and the total bioload of the tank. Slight over‑filtration combined with gentle output distribution is usually more beneficial than running the system at its absolute limit. Stable and efficient equipment significantly increases the chances that your fish will enjoy a long and healthy life.

Behaviour, temperament and social structure

The snakeskin gourami is widely known for its peaceful and somewhat shy nature. Unlike some other gourami species that can be quite territorial and aggressive, especially males, Trichopodus pectoralis usually behaves calmly and tolerates conspecifics and other species well. This makes it a good candidate for a community tank, provided its size and specific requirements are taken into account. Nevertheless, observing their social interactions allows you to better understand their needs and fine‑tune the aquarium layout.

These fish are often described as slow‑moving, deliberate swimmers. They like to cruise through middle and upper water layers, occasionally visiting the surface to breathe. In a tank with plenty of plants, they may spend considerable time resting among leaves or underneath floating vegetation, especially if the lighting is bright. Despite their tranquil disposition, they are intelligent and observant. Many keepers note that snakeskin gouramis quickly learn to recognise the person who feeds them and will swim to the front glass when they approach.

Within a group, a subtle hierarchy usually forms, particularly among males. Dominant specimens may gently chase subordinates, especially during feeding or breeding periods, but these interactions rarely escalate into serious aggression if the tank is large enough and contains sufficient hiding places. Keeping a small harem of one male with multiple females, or several males in a well‑structured environment, generally leads to stable social dynamics. Overcrowding or a lack of cover, however, can cause stress and conflict, so stocking levels need to be considered carefully.

Because of their size and calm character, snakeskin gouramis appreciate similarly tranquil tank mates. Very active or fin‑nipping species may cause them stress or damage their delicate fins. Small, nervous fish might in turn feel threatened by the mere size of the gourami, particularly when it swims close. Striking the right balance in community composition helps ensure that all inhabitants display natural, relaxed behaviour. Observing your fish regularly will allow you to react promptly to signs of bullying or stress and, if necessary, rearrange decor or adjust stocking.

Feeding and nutritional needs

Trichopodus pectoralis is an omnivorous species with a broad and flexible diet. In the wild, it consumes insect larvae, small crustaceans, zooplankton, algae and plant matter. In the aquarium, this translates into a willingness to accept a wide palette of foods. High‑quality flakes and granules designed for medium to large omnivorous fish can form the backbone of the diet. To ensure proper health and colouration, these should be supplemented regularly with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp or finely chopped earthworms.

Vegetable components also play a role in their nutrition. Offering scalded spinach, peas (without skins), zucchini slices or specialised spirulina‑based granules helps balance the diet and supports digestive health. A varied menu is one of the best tools to prevent nutritional deficiencies and boost the immune system. Over time, you will notice that your snakeskin gouramis develop strong, full bodies and smooth, undamaged fins when they receive diverse and high‑quality foods.

Feeding frequency should be adapted to the age and condition of the fish. Juveniles and sub‑adults can be fed two to three times a day in smaller portions, while fully grown adults typically do well with two moderate meals per day. Each feeding should last only as long as the fish can consume the food within a few minutes. Leftovers falling to the bottom increase the risk of water pollution and may lead to elevated ammonia and nitrite levels, which even resilient species cannot tolerate for long.

Because snakeskin gouramis tend to feed in middle and upper water layers, it is advisable to choose foods that either float for a while or sink slowly. This ensures they can feed comfortably without competing too much with bottom dwellers. If kept with faster or more aggressive eaters, consider spreading the food over a larger surface area or feeding in two different spots to give each fish species a fair chance. With a consistent feeding schedule, you will quickly see that these gouramis become confident and eagerly participate in meal times.

Suitable tank mates and community setups

When planning a community aquarium featuring snakeskin gouramis, the size and temperament of potential tank mates should be the primary criteria. Due to their peaceful nature, these fish feel best when surrounded by species that are calm and not prone to fin‑nipping. Good companions include larger tetras, peaceful barbs that do not nip fins, rainbowfish, Corydoras catfish, peaceful loaches and many livebearers. Dwarf cichlids or other gentle cichlid species can occasionally be kept together with snakeskin gouramis, provided the tank is large and structured well.

It is advisable to avoid combining them with very small, delicate fish that might feel threatened by their size, as well as with clearly aggressive species. Fin‑nipping barbs, some danios and very active schooling fish may constantly disturb gouramis, causing them to remain in hiding and lose their appetite. Large predatory fish are unsuitable because of the risk of aggression and potential predation, especially towards juveniles. Similarly, strongly territorial cichlids can turn an otherwise peaceful tank into a battlefield, undermining the main advantage of keeping Trichopodus pectoralis: its calm, relaxing presence.

In terms of invertebrates, adult snakeskin gouramis may eat very small shrimp or tiny snails if they fit in their mouths. However, larger shrimp species and medium‑sized snails can often coexist, especially in heavily planted tanks with many hiding places. If your priority is breeding shrimp, it is better to house them separately. On the other hand, in a decorative community setup, a moderate shrimp population combined with plants and wood can create an attractive, natural environment that still functions well alongside the gouramis.

Designing the aquarium to reduce visual contact between potential rivals is a useful strategy. Dense plant groups, tall decorations and driftwood pieces break the line of sight, which significantly lowers aggression in multi‑species setups. Since MB Store offers a diverse selection of substrates, root structures, stones and backgrounds, you can easily create personalised aquascapes that satisfy both aesthetic expectations and the practical needs of snakeskin gouramis and their companions.

Breeding snakeskin gouramis in the aquarium

Breeding Trichopodus pectoralis is an engaging challenge for aquarists interested in observing complex fish behaviour. Like many labyrinth fish, this species is known for building bubble nests. To encourage spawning, it is often best to set up a dedicated breeding tank of at least 80–100 litres, with gentle filtration, subdued lighting and plenty of floating plants. The water should be warm, usually at the upper end of their preferred range, around 28–30 °C, and slightly softer and more acidic than in the main display tank.

A healthy, well‑conditioned pair is crucial. Prior to breeding attempts, separate males and females can be intensively fed with high‑quality frozen and live foods to bring them into optimal condition. When ready, the male usually begins constructing a bubble nest at the surface, often beneath a broad leaf or among dense floating plants. The nest consists of numerous air bubbles coated with mucus and sometimes plant fragments, forming a stable platform for the eggs.

Courtship involves the male displaying to the female and gently guiding her towards the nest. Once she is receptive, they engage in characteristic embraces during which the eggs are released and fertilised. The male collects the sinking eggs in his mouth and carefully places them in the bubble nest. Depending on the female’s size, hundreds or even more eggs can be produced in a single spawning. After spawning is complete, it is usually wise to remove the female, as the male may become protective of the nest and chase her away.

The male guards the eggs and fry, repairing the nest and returning any falling eggs to its structure. At a temperature close to 30 °C, the eggs hatch within a day or two, and the fry become free‑swimming a few days later. At this point, the male can be removed to prevent any risk of predation on the offspring. The young are very small and initially require infusoria or specially prepared liquid fry foods. As they grow, they can be transitioned to microworms, Artemia nauplii and later finely crushed dry foods.

Maintaining excellent water quality in the breeding and rearing tank is critical. Frequent, small water changes with carefully matched temperature and parameters help the fry grow quickly and evenly. Because snakeskin gouramis can produce large spawns, it is important to plan ahead for the eventual number of juveniles, ensuring adequate grow‑out space and future homes for the young fish. Successful breeding provides not only personal satisfaction but also contributes to reducing pressure on wild populations by creating captive‑bred stock for the aquarium hobby.

Health, longevity and responsible care

Snakeskin gouramis are generally robust and forgiving of minor mistakes, which partly explains their popularity. With proper care, they can live for many years, often reaching 8–10 years or more in well‑maintained aquaria. Preventive measures are far more effective than treating diseases after they appear. The foundation of health is stable water quality, an appropriate diet and avoiding overcrowding. Routine testing of core parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and hardness allows early detection of problems and timely intervention.

Common health issues in this species are similar to those affecting many tropical fish: parasitic infections, bacterial diseases and fungal attacks on damaged tissue. Stress caused by poor conditions, sudden changes or bullying weakens the immune system and opens the way for pathogens. Visible signs of trouble include clamped fins, lethargy, rapid breathing at the surface, loss of appetite, spots on the body or frayed fins. Immediate steps should then include checking water parameters, performing partial water changes and, if necessary, isolating the affected fish for targeted treatment.

Quarantining new arrivals is a responsible practice that significantly reduces the risk of introducing diseases into an established aquarium. A simple, separate tank with basic filtration and heating allows you to observe new fish for several weeks. During this period you can ensure they are free of parasites and adjust them gradually to your feeding regime. MB Store supplies equipment suited for quarantine setups, which, though sometimes overlooked, are invaluable for maintaining a healthy main display.

Another important aspect of responsible care is ethical stocking and long‑term planning. Because snakeskin gouramis grow fairly large, acquiring small juveniles from a shop should always be accompanied by a realistic plan for future tank size and population. Over time, a properly maintained aquarium becomes a stable, mature ecosystem where these fish can display their full range of natural behaviours. In return, they become a living centrepiece, offering quiet elegance and a sense of harmony that many aquarists appreciate after years in the hobby.

MB Store supports aquarists at every stage of this journey. From selecting a suitable aquarium and filtration system, through choosing substrates, plants and decorations, to providing high‑quality foods and water conditioners, the range of products makes it straightforward to create an environment tailored to the needs of Trichopodus pectoralis. Combining reliable equipment with knowledge and patience is the surest path to long‑term success with this remarkable species.

FAQ

Is the snakeskin gourami suitable for beginners?
Yes, this species is often recommended for beginners with some basic knowledge of aquarium care. It is hardy, tolerant of a range of water parameters and generally peaceful. However, due to its final size, it requires a relatively large tank and thoughtful selection of tank mates. Beginners should ensure good filtration, stable temperature and regular water changes before acquiring these fish.

How large do snakeskin gouramis grow in the aquarium?
In home aquaria, adult snakeskin gouramis usually reach 15–20 cm in length, although particularly well cared for specimens in spacious tanks can grow slightly larger. Their considerable size means that they should not be kept in very small aquariums. Planning a tank of at least 200 litres for a small group is sensible, ensuring enough swimming space and stable water parameters for long‑term health.

Can snakeskin gouramis live in a community tank?
Yes, they are well suited to peaceful community aquariums. They coexist well with calm, similarly sized fish that do not nip fins or harass them. Suitable companions include many tetras, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish and bottom dwellers like Corydoras. Avoid aggressive cichlids, very fast or nippy species and fish small enough to be seen as prey. Adequate space and hiding places further reduce potential conflicts.

What should I feed my snakeskin gouramis?
Provide a varied omnivorous diet. High‑quality flakes or granules can be the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Adding vegetable components like peas, spinach or spirulina‑based foods improves digestion and overall health. Feed two to three times daily in amounts they can consume within a few minutes to avoid leftover food polluting the aquarium water.

Do snakeskin gouramis need a special type of aquarium?
They do not require a specialised tank, but certain features greatly improve their well‑being. A spacious aquarium with a cover, gentle filtration, stable heating and plenty of plants is ideal. Floating plants that dim the light, driftwood and stones creating shelters support natural behaviour. MB Store offers aquariums, filters, heaters and lighting systems that allow you to build an environment perfectly adapted to this species’ needs.