Spotted gourami (Malpulutta kretseri)

Scientific name: Malpulutta kretseri Deraniyagala, 1937

The Spotted gourami (Malpulutta kretseri) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Asia, restricted to south western Sri Lanka in Colombo-Galle-Ratnapura triangle. Was first recorded from Hettipola (near Kurunegala).

Spotted gourami care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Restricted to forested areas and small, shallow, slow flowing silted streams with leaf debris and thick marginal vegetation. Stays close to the substrate and is very seldom found in unshaded waters. Feeds on fish fry, plankton and insect larvae. Bubble nest builder.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Malpulutta kretseri
Family: Osphronemidae (Gouramies)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 4.0
Common length: 2.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 20 demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: restricted to south western Sri Lanka in Colombo-Galle-Ratnapura triangle. Was first recorded from Hettipola (near Kurunegala).
Conservation status (IUCN): Lower Risk: conservation dependent (LR/cd)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)