Macropodus spechti
Macropodus spechti, also known as the specht's gourami, is a tiny, brightly colored freshwater fish prized by aquarists rather than anglers. At a maximum length of just 5.8 cm it is often caught incidentally by light‑tackle anglers targeting small pond species.
Family
Osphronemidae
Max Size
5.8 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Late spring to early autumn (May‑September)
Best Time
Early morning or late evening
No distribution map available
Tràng An Limestone Karst
VietnamA UNESCO World Heritage site with crystal-clear limestone streams where Macropodus spechti thrives among submerged vegetation.
Best: Oct-Feb
Tonle Sap Floodplain
CambodiaVast freshwater floodplain with abundant weed beds, a primary breeding ground for the species.
Best: May-Oct
Ulu Temburong National Park
BruneiPristine rainforest streams on Borneo, known for a healthy resident population of the fish.
Best: Mar-Jun
Khao Sok National Park
ThailandJungle-covered lake and tributary streams offering optimal habitat and easy access for anglers.
Best: Nov-Feb
Cox's Bazar Mangrove Forest
BangladeshCoastal mangrove creeks where seasonal freshwater influx supports the species, but variable conditions make catches less predictable.
Best: Jun-Sep
Luang Prabang River System
LaosRemote upper Mekong tributaries with fast‑flowing sections, demanding skill to locate the subtle habitats.
Best: Oct-Jan
Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, tiny earthworms, or micro grubs