Pearl Gourami Trichopodus leerii

The Pearl Gourami (also called Lace) is native to heavily-vegetated ponds and swamps of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Like all other Gouramis, in addition to gills they have a lung-like labyrinth organ to take oxygen from gulps of air - an adaptation that allows them to live in oxygen-poor water habitats. They also have long feelers to assist when vision is restricted.

Its name is after the pearl-like spots on its reddish body. It has a thin black lateral line from the snout, finishing before a black spot near the tail and grows to 12cm long. The male is more brightly coloured with a longer, more flowing anal fin. He builds a bubble nest near the surface for the female to lay eggs and he then guards the eggs until they hatch.