DWARF GOURAMI | TRICHOGASTER LALIUS

The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a peaceful, colorful, and intelligent freshwater fish native to the slow-moving waters and rice paddies of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It’s a member of the labyrinth fish family, meaning it can breathe atmospheric air through a special labyrinth organ—allowing it to thrive even in low-oxygen environments. Known for its bright colors, gentle personality, and graceful movement, the Dwarf Gourami is a true gem in the aquarium hobby.

Males are especially vibrant, displaying brilliant shades of turquoise blue, fiery orange, and red across their bodies and fins, often in a striped or gradient pattern. Females are more subdued in color, usually silver or pale gold, but equally hardy and social. Adults typically reach about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 4–10 dGH

Tank setup: Dwarf Gouramis thrive in calm, well-planted aquariums of 15 gallons or larger with gentle filtration and subdued lighting. Floating plants such as Water Sprite or Frogbit are especially appreciated, as they mimic their natural habitat and provide comfort and cover. They enjoy slow-moving water, so avoid strong currents. Because males can be territorial, it’s best to keep one male per tank unless the aquarium is spacious and heavily planted.

Diet: These gouramis are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality flakes or micro-pellets as a staple, along with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Vegetable-based foods such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach help round out their nutrition and maintain vibrant coloration.

Temperament and tankmates: Dwarf Gouramis are gentle and social, making them excellent additions to peaceful community tanks. Ideal companions include tetras, rasboras, platies, mollies, corydoras, and small loaches. Avoid fin-nippers or overly active fish that may stress them.

Breeding: Males build bubble nests at the surface using saliva and plant material, then court females beneath it. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.

In summary, the Dwarf Gourami is a peaceful, colorful, and hardy aquarium fish that adds calm energy and beauty to any freshwater setup. Its vivid coloration, gentle demeanor, and fascinating bubble-nest behavior make it a favorite choice for aquarists seeking both elegance and personality in their community tank.