Sparkling Gourami care guide
Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.5. Peaceful middle-water species.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is one of the smallest labyrinth fishes, rarely exceeding 4 cm. Iridescent spots scatter light across its body and males produce audible croaking sounds via specialised pectoral musculature during courtship and territorial disputes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Trichopsis
- Scientific name: Trichopsis pumila
- Common synonyms: Pygmy Gourami
Habitat
Native to slow-moving waters of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia, including rice paddies, ditches and small ponds with dense surface vegetation. The labyrinth organ allows it to tolerate the low oxygen conditions of such habitats.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-4 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Water flow: none
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore feeding on zooplankton and small aquatic insects in the wild. In aquaria a varied diet of micro-pellets, finely crushed flake and small live or frozen foods (cyclops, daphnia, microworms) supports condition.
Compatibility
A peaceful nano species. Suitable companions include Ember Tetra, Chili Rasbora, Pygmy Corydoras and dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping with Betta, Tiger Barb or any larger boisterous fish, which will dominate feeding and intimidate the species.
Breeding
A bubble-nester; some males build nests under floating plants while others may nest on the substrate. Eggs hatch in one to two days. Fry require microscopic infusoria before graduating to newly hatched brine shrimp.
Breeding Sparkling Gourami
Overview
The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila), also called the Pygmy Gourami, is a small labyrinth fish and a bubble-nester. The male builds the nest, and the KB record rates breeding difficulty as intermediate.
Sexing
Sexually mature males exhibit a more intense colour pattern and develop longer ventral, anal, dorsal and caudal fins than females. Mature fish can also be sexed by placing a strong light behind the body, when the ovaries of females are clearly visible below the swim bladder.
Breeding Setup
Use a separate breeding tank with the tightest-fitting cover available; some breeders use clingfilm to ensure no gaps, because the fry need access to a layer of warm, humid air to develop their labyrinth organ. The male may build the nest in a tube or canister, under a broad plant leaf, or among fine-leaved surface vegetation.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning normally occurs beneath the nest in an embrace typical of osphronemids, with the male wrapping himself around the female. Eggs are released in clusters, which the male collects and transports to the bubble nest.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch within 24-48 hours. The male guards the nest and collects fallen eggs. Once the fry begin to swim freely the male loses interest, but the adults do not usually eat their offspring. The fry require infusoria-grade food for the first few days, after which they can accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii.
Common Challenges
Maintaining a layer of warm, humid air above the water is important for fry development, and the very small first foods needed by the fry make rearing demanding.