Colisa labiosa rubin Red

Colisa Labiosa Rubin Red

The Colisa labiosa Rubin Red, commonly known as the Rubin Red Gourami, is a vibrant and captivating freshwater fish prized for its stunning coloration and peaceful nature. This species is a member of the Gourami family and is particularly admired for its striking ruby-red hue, making it a popular choice among aquarists.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Rubin Red Gouramis typically grow to about 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches) in length.
• Coloration:
  • Body: The most defining feature of the Rubin Red Gourami is its rich, ruby-red coloration, which can vary in intensity depending on individual fish and tank conditions.
  • Fins: Their fins are usually translucent with a hint of red, enhancing their overall beauty and grace in the water.
  • Shape: Rubin Red Gouramis have a rounded body shape typical of many Gourami species, with long, flowing fins that contribute to their elegant appearance.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: Colisa labiosa Rubin Red Gouramis are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other community fish. They can exhibit mild territorial behaviour, especially during breeding.
• Activity Level: These gouramis are moderately active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment, often seen gliding gracefully among plants and decorations.
• Community Behaviour: They thrive in community tanks and are best kept in groups of at least three or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 40 litres (10 gallons) is recommended for a small group of Rubin Red Gouramis.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: They prefer warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is preferred.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-20 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A soft substrate is recommended. They appreciate a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, including floating plants and decorations that provide cover.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is best, as it allows them to showcase their colours without causing stress.
  • Filtration: A gentle filtration system is essential, as strong currents can stress gouramis. Regular water changes (about 20% weekly) are necessary to maintain water quality.

Diet:

Colisa labiosa Rubin Red Gouramis are omnivorous and require a balanced diet:

• Flakes: High-quality flake food should form the staple of their diet.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to provide essential protein and variety.
• Vegetable Matter: They also benefit from vegetable matter, so occasional feedings of blanched peas or spirulina can be included.

Breeding:

Breeding Rubin Red Gouramis is relatively straightforward:

• Breeding Setup: A separate breeding tank with plenty of plants for cover is ideal. The water should be warm (around 26°C to 28°C or 79°F to 82°F) and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5).
• Spawning Behaviour: The male will court the female, creating a bubble nest. After spawning, the female should be removed to prevent aggression from the male.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp until they are large enough for regular food.

Special Considerations:

• Social Fish: Rubin Red Gouramis are social creatures that thrive in groups, so it's important to keep them in schools.
• Water Quality: Maintaining clean water and good tank conditions is crucial for their health.