[FishyFishy89]

Can a blue gourami's stripes become so bold/dark that their spots disappear? I have taken in what I was told to be 3 blue gouramis. So far 2 of them are definitely blue gouramis, the 3rd started off looking just like them. But now her stripes are so bold and I don't see any spots.

Thanks!

 

[fish monger]

That is more than likely a male. Mine varies in color and pattern very widely.

 

[FishyFishy89]

That is more than likely a male. Mine varies in color and pattern very widely.

The fins and body size say female?
Here are a few pics of the one in question

 

[fish monger]

You're right, it does look like a female. I've never noticed my females do that, but your photos show that they do. How big are they ?

 

[FishyFishy89]

They're all approx 3" long. I asked on a FaceBook group I am on and they said that it is common for them to get bold stripes/to fade their spots away.

 

[possibility]

You're right I have seen some blue gouramis with faded spots. In fact there is this book that I have. Its a visual reference to freshwater aquarium fish. One of the pictures of a blue gourami looks very similar to your own.

 

[Byron]

In our profile of this species [click the link],
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/anabantid-species/trichopodus-trichopterus-177634/
it mentions that there are several colour/pattern varieties, and a few are included in the photos.

All have the dark blotch at the caudal peduncle, and while it is not all that dark in the fish pictured in this thread, I think it is still there. Fish colouring can fade under certain conditions which may also explain it.

Byron.