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Flame Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Dwarf Gourami · flame
📍 India
The Flame Dwarf Gourami is a striking color variant displaying vivid red-orange coloration across most of the body with minimal blue striping. Males are vibrant and show their best colors in well-planted tanks with calm tankmates.
Care Guide
Diet
Flame Dwarf Gouramis are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia once daily in small portions. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers 2-3 times weekly to support digestive health and enhance coloration.
Behavior
These are peaceful, labyrinth-breathing fish that are moderately active and spend time exploring plants and mid-water areas. Males can be territorial toward other males and may display aggression during breeding season, but are generally docile with females and non-competing species. They prefer calm environments and thrive in well-planted tanks where they can establish territories.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions including warm water (26-28°C), dense floating plants for bubble nest building, and a separate breeding tank. Males build bubble nests and guard fry aggressively; fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week. Success rates improve with experienced aquarists and proper conditioning of breeding pairs.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and compatible water parameters make them ideal community tank mates
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete with gouramis and helps maintain tank cleanliness
Schooling fish that occupy different water zones and have compatible temperature and pH requirements
Generally compatible but larger gouramis may occasionally hunt small shrimp; provide dense plants for refuge
Hardy plant that provides shelter and resting spots without being uprooted by gourami activity
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise water temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, and use ich medication (malachite green or formalin-based treatments) following product instructions for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove any sharp tank decorations, and treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths (1 teaspoon per gallon) for 7-10 days
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing, gasping at surface, labored gill movement, lethargy
Ensure excellent water quality and aeration, maintain optimal temperature (25-27°C), and use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected; provide access to surface for air breathing
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, clamped fins
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, reduce light exposure, and treat with copper-based medication or salt baths following product guidelines for 10-14 days
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Varieties
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