340 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ocr., 1897. 
THE GOURAMI. 
There is probably no fish that could be so easily acclimatised in Queens- 
Jand waters as the “ Gourami,” of the Mauritius, and it would be difficult to 
mame one that can compare with itin economic value. It is certainly inferior 
to trout from a sportsman’s point of view, but otherwise it is far and away the 
more important fish. Why it has not long ago been acclimatised in Queens- 
land, it is difficult to say ; most likely because we do not yet recognise its great 
value. Or is it that we lack the enterprising spirits that abound on the 
Downs? Anyone who is conversant with the transport of live fish might in a 
‘few weeks establish the Gourami in Queensland. A couple of hundred would 
be ample. The work should not be delayed any longer; it can be easily and 
YOUNG GOURAMI. | 
‘speedily accomplished, nor need the cost be great. This remarkably fine fish 
is said to have spread to other places from Cochin China, its original habitat, 
where it exists in a wild state and attains considerable size, up to 1C0 1b. weight. 
FULL-GROWN GOURAMI. 
In other countries the Gourami is kept in captivity, and is thoroughly domesti- 
cated. It is usually marketed before it attains a weight of 12 lb.; probably 
-t is then better eating and more profitable than when larger. Persons who haye— 
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