Frail Gourami (Ctenops nobilis)

Ctenops nobilis, the Frail Gourami, is a rare and delicate labyrinth fish from India and Bangladesh that inhabits densely vegetated, slow-moving waters. It has an elegant elongated body with subtle brown and cream banding and is among the most challenging gouramis to maintain in captivity, being highly sensitive to water quality and poor conditions. Best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a pristine, species-specific setup.

Maintain in a species-only tank with pristine soft, acidic water. Dense planting and floating cover essential. Feed live and frozen micro-foods: daphnia, artemia nauplii, micro worms. Minimal water movement. Very sensitive to water parameter fluctuations — use aged water and perform small, frequent water changes rather than large ones. For advanced keepers only.