Colisa lalia
Colisa lalia
(dwarf gourami)
Fishes
Exotic
Collection Info
Point Map
Species Profile
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Felix Gertz © Copyright Info
Colisa lalia (Hamilton, 1822)
Common name: dwarf gourami
Synonyms and Other Names: Colisa lalia
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: An identification key with distinguishing characteristics was given by Talwar and Jhingran (1991); distinguishing characters were also presented by Sterba (1973). Color photographs of live fish shown in Axelrod et al. (1985). Many color variants available in the aquarium trade.
Size: 5-8 cm SL.
Native Range: Tropical Asia. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and possibly Borneo (Jayaram 1981; Talwar and Jhingran 1992).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Colisa lalia are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
FL197419742Florida Southeast Coast; Little Manatee

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Probable release or escape from fish farms.
Status: Reported from two regions in Florida. No known reproduction.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: Voucher specimens: Florida (UF 97047, 97048, 97049, 98923).

This species has been shown to be an alternative host to the glochidia of native unionid mussels Lampsilis cardium and Utterbackia imbecillis (Watters and O'Dee 1998).
References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H.R., W.E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and D.A. Hensley. 1979. Survey of introduced non-native fishes. Phase I Report. Introduced exotic fishes in North America: status 1979. Report Submitted to National Fishery Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., H.F. Sahlman, W.W. Miley, II, and D.J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

Jayaram, K.C., 1981. The freshwater fishes of India: a handbook. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, India.

Ogilvie, V.E. 1969. Illustrated checklist of fishes collected from the L-15 Canal (Lake Worth Drainage District) in Palm Beach County, Florida (collection date November 8, 1969). Unpublished Report for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. English translation and revision from German. Two volumes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Talwar, P.K., and A.G. Jhingran, editors. 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Two volumes.

Watters, T.G. and S.H. O'Dee. 1998. Metamorphosis of freshwater mussel glochidia (Bivalvia: Unionidae) on amphibians and exotic fishes. American Midland Naturalist 139: 49-57.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary
Author: Nico, L.
Revision Date: 6/12/2012
Peer Review Date: 6/12/2012

Citation Information:
Nico, L., 2025, Colisa lalia (Hamilton, 1822): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=329, Revision Date: 6/12/2012, Peer Review Date: 6/12/2012, Access Date: 3/28/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/28/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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