Opaline

Opaline is a color morph of the three-spot Gourami. It is not peaceful like its other relatives. It can attack smaller fish. Its life span is that of six years. Regular water changes are must for Opaline. It is a robust fish and can adapt to several conditions. Keeping them in pairs is wise as in this way; it will display to its partner and show its best colors. The following account cites more information about Opaline.

Habitat

Water Preferences: Not critical; can withstand tropical temperatures and low oxygen levels. Required pH is from 6.0-8.8.

Diet

They accept a range of foods but prefer live foods. They relish foods from flakes to freeze-dried and live foods. They greedily eat hydra, thus are valued for their skill to eradicate this nuisance from the home aquarium.

Breeding

Opaline builds bubble nest. Its eggs and fry float to the top. Breeding is somewhat difficult, and finding a suitable pair is maybe the biggest test. Shallow water in the aquarium (about 5 inches) is considered to be ideal. Current in the aquarium should be the least. After female has laid eggs she must be removed from the aquarium or else there is a risk that male will kill her. Fry should be fed fry food till they can swallow flake foods. Now the male should be removed or he might gobble the fry which come out from the nest.

Description

This fairly recent introduction to the coldwater hobby is fast gaining popularity in Europe. Opaline has labyrinth organ this organ is a part of the fish’s body which allows it to absorb atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream.

Physical Characteristics

Opaline is slightly elongated fish, moderately compressed tangential. Color variations among the fish of Opaline group are abundant. Opaline is the color modification of Blue Gourami. Every variety shares some color characteristics which are common. Pectoral fins and base of tail fin have some dark spots. Along the edges of all the fins, there are white spots. Its ventral fins are very sensitive. Its body color is pale blue.

Tank Set Up

15-20 gallons of water is required for the young ones whereas a minimum of 35 gallons of water is necessary for the adults. The tank decoration should make both quiet and dominant fish happy. Thus, thick plant cover and some hiding places should be provided in the tank. A coat of floating plants is liked by it. All the three levels of an aquarium whether top, middle or bottom, will be inhabited by Opaline. Strong currents in the tank bother it and the smaller the tank is the more disturbed is Opaline. It is suggested that the tank should be kept at a temperature where the risk of damage of its labyrinth organ is not there. Temperature preferred by it ranges from 73 degree F to 82 degree F.

Social Behavior

When Opaline is young, it is considered to be a good fish to be kept in community. It should also be kept in mind that Opaline is not as non-aggressive as other Gouramis. Thus, it is wise to keep them with fish of their size when they grow. The aggression of this fish has various degrees. Some can be very cantankerous while others can be bashful. An aquarist should be ready to make his tank capable enough to suit every personality of Opaline.

Compatibility

It is prudent to keep a blend of neutral personalities as tank mates of Opaline. Fish which can provoke Opaline into violence should not be kept in the same tank. Gouramis and fin nippers must never be kept together.

Opaline is an exceptionally easy fish to feed. This species is amongst those which are available with utmost difficulty. It is a good choice for the novices. This fish has an extremely extra ordinary personality. It seems it is aware of its owner. It belongs to Osphronemidae family. Thus, care should be taken while choosing its specimens.