antennae ?

[Neon]

Hi Mates ,

so I got 2 new gouramis on Sunday , both males , one chasing the smaller one but mildly so to say .

I have a question, reputation points for you ;-) : what are those sort of "antennae " they got ? what their function ?

thank you :-)

[rich311k]

They are modified fins. If you watch they feel about with them, they extend them toward other fish etc, to see where they are. I would imagine they come in handy in murky water.

[Little Embers]

As Rich said, they are actually the pelvic fins which have adapted/evolved over time and have become what we call "feelers", due to the fact that these fish live in quite murky water in the wild and the gouramis uses them like cats use their whiskers....it helps them judge distance, feel their surroundings and feel for food etc.

Just as the Gouramis and Betta have adapted to their environment by developing the labyrinth organ, the Gouramis pelvic fins have also developed to suit their environment.

[Neon]

thank you guys , it really make sense, I noticed they were touching each other using those " whiskers".

:22:

[VoidParadigm]

Stick your finger in. Most will usually extend their "feelers" to find out just what you are before coming all the way in for a look. My Gold 3-Spot even tries to do it through the glass.

[Neon]

yeah , i have noticed that they are very curious but also shy though

[Northernguy]

Both of mine have got over their shyness.They swim in between my fingers when I am in there messing with the tank.
Those feelers are really cool.

[Neon]

oh yes they are cool, they got a personality, and I like the way they move those whiskers around them

[Rhaethe]

Here's a question.

My dwarf gourami had severely short feelers when I purchased him. Almost looked nipped off.

Now, one feeler definitely looks like it is growing longer. The other, not so much. I don't think it has grown at all.

Is this a worry?

[Zilla]

Here's a question.

My dwarf gourami had severely short feelers when I purchased him. Almost looked nipped off.

Now, one feeler definitely looks like it is growing longer. The other, not so much. I don't think it has grown at all.

Is this a worry?

No, it will grow back.

You may not notice the new growth because you see him every day.

Mine use their feelers for everything. They touch the glass, the heater, filters, fingers, hands, arms, each other, other fish, ect. I love anyway despite their touchy-feely ways.