The Elephant Ear Gourami (Osphronemus exodon) is a large, freshwater fish from Southeast Asia with broad, ear-like fins and a distinctive set of teeth on its lips. It grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) and has a unique appearance that changes significantly from juvenile to adult stages, which can include vertical stripes and an oval spot as a juvenile. These fish are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits and vegetation, and are known for their personable and generally peaceful nature, though they require a very large aquarium.
Key characteristics
Scientific name: Osphronemus exodon
Size: Can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) long
Habitat: Native to the Mekong River basin in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers and flooded forests
Distinctive features:
Prominent "elephant ear"-like fins
Protruding teeth on the lips, which they use to pick fruit
A spot that is present in juveniles but fades with age
Can be obligate air-breathers
Appearance and life cycle
Juveniles:
Have a dark oval spot on the body
Show 6 or 7 vertical bars
A red-orange stripe appears around the head when they reach about 10 cm
Adults:
The vertical bars and spots fade
Body coloration changes, with paler upper areas and darker lower areas
Fin tips can have red patches
Diet and behavior
Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. In captivity, they should be fed a diet including fruits, vegetables, and some plant-based pellets.
Behavior: Generally peaceful and personable, known to beg for food. However, like many large fish, they can become aggressive if kept in an aquarium that is too small.
Reproduction: Adults build nests of plant material and guard the eggs and young.
Aquarium considerations
Tank size: Needs a very large tank due to their potential adult size.
Water parameters: Like other gouramis, they prefer tropical water temperatures, typically between 20–30∘𝐶 (68–86∘𝐹).
Diet: Requires a diet that includes a significant amount of fruit and vegetables.
The Elephant Ear Gourami (Osphronemus exodon) is a large, freshwater fish from Southeast Asia with broad, ear-like fins and a distinctive set of teeth on its lips. It grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) and has a unique appearance that changes significantly from juvenile to adult stages, which can include vertical stripes and an oval spot as a juvenile. These fish are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits and vegetation, and are known for their personable and generally peaceful nature, though they require a very large aquarium.
Key characteristics
Scientific name: Osphronemus exodon
Size: Can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) long
Habitat: Native to the Mekong River basin in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, where they inhabit slow-moving rivers and flooded forests
Distinctive features:
Prominent "elephant ear"-like fins
Protruding teeth on the lips, which they use to pick fruit
A spot that is present in juveniles but fades with age
Can be obligate air-breathers
Appearance and life cycle
Juveniles:
Have a dark oval spot on the body
Show 6 or 7 vertical bars
A red-orange stripe appears around the head when they reach about 10 cm
Adults:
The vertical bars and spots fade
Body coloration changes, with paler upper areas and darker lower areas
Fin tips can have red patches
Diet and behavior
Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. In captivity, they should be fed a diet including fruits, vegetables, and some plant-based pellets.
Behavior: Generally peaceful and personable, known to beg for food. However, like many large fish, they can become aggressive if kept in an aquarium that is too small.
Reproduction: Adults build nests of plant material and guard the eggs and young.
Aquarium considerations
Tank size: Needs a very large tank due to their potential adult size.
Water parameters: Like other gouramis, they prefer tropical water temperatures, typically between 20–30∘𝐶 (68–86∘𝐹).
Diet: Requires a diet that includes a significant amount of fruit and vegetables.
