Gourami Family


Whole Snakeskin Gourami [Osphronemidae (Gouramies)]

Gouramies are a family of generally very small fish (most 1 to 3 inches), most living in Africa, but in Southeast Asia there are a few species of edible size. Many gouramies have a leading ray of the pelvic fins elongated into a tentacle which may extend beyond the tail.

More on Varieties of Fish (very large page).


Giant Gourami


Giant Gourami [Osphronemus goramy]

Found in the rivers of Southeast Asia this fish can grow to over 27 inches. An air breathing fish it can stay alive for days out of the water if kept moist. A popular eating fish it is both fished and farmed, and is not threatened.   Photo by Adrian Pingstone contributed to public domain.

Snakeskin Gourami


Snakeskin Gourami [Cá Sac Ran (Viet); Pla Salid (Thai); Pla Salit (Filipino); Trichogaster pectoralis]

Found in the rivers of Southeast Asia this fish can grow to nearly 10 inches and 1 pound in weight, but the photo specimen was 7-1/4 inches and weighted 3-1/4 ounces. Note that the pelvic fins have become long threads extending from below the pectoral fins almost to the tail. Able to breath air, this fish can stay alive for days out of the water if kept moist. Considered a good eating fish it is both fished and farmed, and is not considered threatened.   Details and Cooking.

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