Pearl Gourami care guide
Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) — minimum tank 120 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5. Peaceful top-water species.
Overview
The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a large, calm labyrinth fish covered in pearlescent white spots on a brown background, with a dark lateral line. Males develop an orange-red breast during breeding. It is regarded as one of the most peaceful and long-lived gouramis in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Trichopodus
- Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii
- Common synonyms: Lace Gourami, Mosaic Gourami
Habitat
Native to lowland peat swamps and slow-moving forest waters of Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The waters are typically soft, acidic and shaded by dense overhanging vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L (31.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
An undemanding omnivore that accepts most prepared foods and will also consume hydra and small aquatic invertebrates. A varied diet of quality pellets or flake supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp keeps the fish in good condition.
Compatibility
A peaceful centerpiece for medium to large planted community tanks. Suitable companions include Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora, Kuhli Loach and Cherry Barb. Avoid keeping with smaller, more aggressive gouramis (Dwarf Gourami) or with Tiger Barb and Betta, which may stress or harass it.
Breeding
A bubble-nester. Males build large surface nests in floating vegetation and entice females beneath them. Spawnings produce 200-300 eggs which hatch in roughly 20-30 hours. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food before they accept brine shrimp nauplii.