Gouramies of the genus Trichopodus usually inhabit exposed biotopes with still or sluggish freshwater, and abundant
growth of vegetation both in the water and along the shorelines. In Singapore, these are found mainly in the open
countryside, largely in the north and west. They are rarely found in flowing streams in forest under tree canopies, and
are absent in waterways that have been lined with concrete, cleared of vegetative cover, and with increased water flow.
Many localities where these fishes have been recorded in the past, particularly those in the southern part of the island,
have been developed for high-density housing estates and industries. Their streams and ditches have been canalised, and
the ponds buried. The absence of records on the eastern part of the island is conspicuous but it is due to the lack of
published information and observation. Suitable water bodies are present, such as in the Tampines Eco Green (park).
The occurrence of gouramies there is highly likely, but this awaits verification (see Fig. 7).