FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

Species Fact Sheets Trichogaster pectoralis (Regan, 1910)

Trichogaster pectoralis: (click for more)

Synonyms Trichopodus pectoralis Regan, 1910: 784 (original description).

FAO Names En - Snakeskin gourami, Fr - Gourami peau de serpent, Sp - Gurami piel de serpiente. 3Alpha Code: FGS Taxonomic Code: 1761001302

Diagnostic Features Dorsal fin with 6 spines and 10-11 branched rays; origin far behind pectoral fin base. Anal fin with 9-12 spines and 33-38 branched rays. Pelvic fin with a long filamentous ray and 2 to 3 small rays in the axil. Lateral line with 55-63 scales.

Geographical Distribution

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Indonesian lakes (Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Singapore).

Habitat and Biology Lives in lakes, ponds and still sluggish waters.Generally feeds on aquatic plants.Can breathe air directly, as well as absorb oxygen from water through its gills.

Size Attains about 20 cm; common 12-15 cm.

Interest to Fisheries The total catch reported for this species to FAO for 1999 was 21 320 t. The countries with the largest catches were Indonesia (21 320 t). Caught with seines, set nets, cast nets, and traps. The flesh is of good quality; may be grilled or used for fish soup. In Thailand there is a trade of dried pla salid for the benefit of people in areas where it is not caught. Marketed fresh and cultured both for food and for export as aquarium fish.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Global Capture Production for species (tonnes) Source: FAO FishStat 40k

20k

0k 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Trichogaster pectoralis

Global Aquaculture Production for species (tonnes) Source: FAO FishStat 60k

40k

20k

0k 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Trichogaster pectoralis

Local Names English : Bubble nest builder , Siamese gourami , Snakeskin gourami , Snakeskin gouramy . Khmer : Trey kawnthor . Laotian : Pa sa lit . Malay/Indonesian : Sepat siam . Spanish : Gourami aplanado . Thai : Pla salid . Vietnamese : Cá sat rang .