Dwarf Gourami care guide
Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.5. Peaceful top-water species.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small labyrinth fish from South Asia, with males displaying vivid red and electric blue vertical stripes. The species is shy but visually striking and works well as a centerpiece for small planted tanks. Commercial stocks have a notable susceptibility to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Trichogaster
- Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
- Common synonyms: Flame Gourami, Powder Blue Gourami
Habitat
Native to slow-moving waters of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, including rivulets, ditches, streams and lakes with abundant vegetation. The labyrinth organ allows the species to breathe atmospheric air in low-oxygen environments.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 6-8 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore. A varied diet of micro-pellets or flake supplemented with frozen or live bloodworms, tubifex, daphnia and brine shrimp supports growth and colour. Offer occasional vegetable foods such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes.
Compatibility
A relatively peaceful community fish suited to a calm planted tank. Compatible with Corydoras, Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora and Otocinclus. Avoid keeping multiple males together, and avoid Betta, Tiger Barb and other boisterous or fin-nipping species.
Breeding
A bubble-nester. Males construct elaborate nests bound with plant material and produce 300-800 eggs per spawning. Eggs hatch within 12-24 hours; fry become free-swimming after roughly three days. Remove the female after spawning to avoid aggression.
Breeding Dwarf Gourami
Overview
Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a labyrinth fish and bubble-nest builder of intermediate breeding difficulty. The male builds a nest reinforced with plant material and takes sole charge of the brood after spawning.
Sexing
Males are larger and more colourful with extended dorsal and anal fins. Females are plainer, silvery and smaller.
Conditioning the Breeders
Condition the pair separately on a diet containing plenty of live and frozen foods. Introduce the female first and leave her for a few days, continuing to feed her, before adding the male.
Breeding Setup
- Tank around 18-24 inches in length with water lowered to about 6-8 inches
- A handful or two of peat fibre as building material
- Good-sized clumps of fine-leaved plants such as hornwort, plus floating plants such as Riccia
- A small air-driven sponge filter
- Temperature raised to about 80-84 °F (around 28-30 °C during spawning)
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male starts with a raft of bubbles at the surface, then uses small pieces of plant material to strengthen it. Spawning occurs in the typical anabantoid embrace with eggs and sperm released simultaneously, the bout lasting two to four hours. Broods can number up to 700 eggs (reported totals between 300 and 800).
Egg & Fry Care
Remove the female after spawning, as the male becomes completely intolerant of her and guards the brood. Hatching usually occurs within 36 hours (reported 12-24 hours), and the fry are free-swimming after about three days; the male is then removed. Offer infusoria-type food for the first week or so, until the fry are large enough to accept microworm or Artemia nauplii. Several rearing tanks help separate fry by size.
Common Challenges
The male's aggression toward the female makes prompt removal essential. Shallow, warm water with a still surface supports the bubble nest, and the very small first-feeding fry require infusoria-grade food and benefit from being graded by size as they grow.