Osphronemidae

Osphronemidae is a family of gouramis, freshwater to occasionally brackish fishes within the order Anabantiformes. Members are known for possessing a labyrinth organ, a specialized suprabranchial structure that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling survival in low-oxygen waters. The family is native to Asia, with species distributed across South and Southeast Asia and parts of the Indo-Pacific region.

Habitat and ecology vary among Osphronemidae, but most inhabit still or slow-moving waters such as rivers, swamps, floodplains, marshes, and occasionally rice paddies. They are often omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. Many species are surface-oriented or territorial and exhibit social and parental behaviors that reflect diverse reproductive strategies.

Reproduction in Osphronemidae is diverse. Bubble-nest building is common among many gouramis, where males construct a foam nest at the water surface and guard the eggs and developing fry. Other species practice mouthbrooding, in which one parent carries eggs or fry in the mouth for protection during early development. Such strategies contribute to the family’s wide variability in breeding styles and parental care.

In the aquarium hobby, Osphronemidae includes popular species such as various gouramis and the well-known Betta. These fishes are admired for their vivid colors, interesting behaviors, and unique labyrinth-adapted respiration, but they require careful management of water quality, temperature, and tank mates to reflect their natural tendencies. Conservation concerns for some species arise from habitat loss and overcollection in the wild.