On the identity of the banded gourami <i>Trichogaster fasciata</i> with notes on the taxonomic status of <i>Trichopodus bejeus</i> (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.