On the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata with notes on the taxonomic status of Trichopodus bejeus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Osphronemidae)

Abstract

Based on its original description and putative topotypes, the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata is resolved. Trichogaster lalia is a synonym of T. fasciata, and the name Trichogaster bejeus is applied to the species hitherto identified as T. fasciata. T. fasciata is distinguished from its congeners in the shape of caudal fin, colouration, lip morphology and meristic and mensural characters.