Juvenile snakeskin gouramis have strikingly strong zig-zag lines from the eye to the base of the tail.

[2][4] They are common in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basin of, Thailand mainly, Southern Vietnam, Laos, and lastly Cambodia.

[2] They have also been introduced in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and New Caledonia.

It also occurs in flooded forests of the lower Mekong, and gradually moves back to rivers as floodwaters recede.

[2] Snakeskin gourami generally feeds on aquatic insects and other small living organisms in its habitat.

The snakeskin gourami is a highly economical species that is captured and cultured for food and for export for the aquarium trade.

In Thailand, there is a trade of dried snakeskin gourami for the benefit of people in areas where the live fish is not available.

[8] Trichopodus pectoralis are a hardy species recommended for a beginner in the fishkeeping hobby because, despite growing to a relatively large size, they are peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank.

[9] During breeding, like some of other labyrinth species, snakeskin gouramies are observed to vocalize sounds described as croaking, growling or cracking tones, to demonstrate territorial behavior.