Belontiidae

The family Belontiidae, commonly known as gouramis, are a group of freshwater labyrinth fish native to Asia. These fish are characterized by an elongated ray in each pelvic fin, with the exception of the kissing gourami.1

Gouramis are popular in home aquariums and include species like the dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia), known for its bright red and blue stripes, and the three-spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), which is silvery or blue with dark spots. The giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is a larger species, reaching up to 9 kg (20 pounds), and is a significant food fish in Southeast Asia. The kissing gourami (Helostoma temmincki) is recognized for its unique "kissing" behavior and is also kept in aquariums and consumed as food.1

The family Belontiidae belongs to the order Perciformes. Other fish families within the Atheriniformes order include needlefish (Belonidae), sauries (Scomberesocidae), killifish (Cyprinodontidae), and silversides (Atherinidae).12