Taxonomy and identification
The accepted scientific name is Trichopodus trichopterus, in the family Osphronemidae and order Anabantiformes. Aquarium literature and older trade names may use Trichogaster trichopterus. The marble or Cosby form is a captive-bred color variety rather than a separate species. Typical marble fish have a blue, silver, or pale background with irregular dark blue to black markings. The supplied source describes a pair, but sex and exact color strain cannot be confirmed reliably from the available images.
Natural distribution and habitat
Trichopodus trichopterus is native to mainland and island Southeast Asia, including parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It inhabits slow-moving or still waters such as swamps, ponds, rice fields, canals and vegetated margins. These environments are often warm, quiet and periodically low in dissolved oxygen, which explains the species' labyrinth organ and preference for access to the water surface.
Behavior
Marble gouramis are generally calm to moderately assertive community fish. They spend much of their time in the upper and middle water layers and may investigate plants, décor and tank mates. Males can defend a territory and may chase females or other gouramis, especially during nest building. Dense planting, floating cover and visual barriers reduce conflict. Keep the aquarium covered because gouramis may jump and need warm, humid air above the water for normal labyrinth-organ function.
Aquarium size and layout
A pair should have at least 120 litres, with 150 litres or more preferable for long-term keeping and community use. Choose a tank with substantial horizontal swimming space rather than a tall, narrow aquarium. Use gentle filtration, subdued circulation, floating plants and rooted vegetation around the sides and rear, leaving open areas for movement. Smooth décor and shaded retreats help reduce stress. Maintain a stable, mature aquarium with zero ammonia and nitrite and low nitrate.
Water parameters
Keep the water warm and stable at 24-28 °C, with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Soft to moderately hard water is generally suitable, but consistency is more important than chasing a particular value. Perform regular partial water changes and avoid abrupt changes in temperature, pH or mineral content. Moderate surface agitation is useful for oxygenation, but excessive turbulence can make surface breathing and bubble-nest construction more difficult.
Diet
This species is an adaptable omnivore. Offer a quality floating or slow-sinking staple pellet or flake, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae and bloodworms. Small portions once or twice daily are preferable to overfeeding. Occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based food can add variety. Remove uneaten food promptly, particularly in a warm aquarium where waste breaks down quickly.
Compatibility
Suitable companions include peaceful, similarly sized community fish that do not constantly nip fins or compete aggressively at the surface. Avoid fin-nippers, highly boisterous species and aggressive cichlids. Keep only one male in a smaller aquarium; several females can spread attention in a larger, well-planted setup. A pair is not automatically peaceful during breeding, so provide cover and be prepared to separate the female if persistent chasing or injury occurs.
Breeding
Marble gouramis are bubble-nest breeders. A separate, gently filtered breeding aquarium with floating plants or other surface cover can be used. Condition the pair with varied, protein-rich foods and raise the temperature gradually within the normal range. The male constructs a bubble nest, courts the female and gathers the buoyant eggs into the nest after spawning. Remove the female if the male becomes excessively aggressive. The male usually guards the nest; remove him after the fry become free-swimming or if he begins eating them. Infusoria or another suitably tiny first food is required for newly free-swimming fry, followed by larger foods as they grow.
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