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Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Osphronemidae
📍 Thailand, Malaysia & Indonesia
The pearl gourami is one of the most elegant community fish, adorned with a pearlescent spotted pattern and a dark lateral stripe. It is a labyrinth fish that breathes surface air, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended. Males can be mildly aggressive toward each other, but generally coexist peacefully in larger tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Pearl gouramis are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food and micro pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms to promote color and health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Pearl gouramis are peaceful, deliberate swimmers that occupy the upper water column and mid-levels. Males display mild territorial behavior toward each other but coexist peacefully in larger tanks with adequate space and visual breaks. They are labyrinth breathers and must have access to the water surface; they are generally shy and appreciate plants and décor for security.
Breeding
Breeding pearl gouramis in captivity is moderately difficult and requires patience. Males build bubble nests at the water surface and guard fry aggressively after spawning; separate the female after egg-laying to prevent predation. Fry require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro pellets.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and compatible water parameters; occupy different tank zones
Peaceful algae eater with no aggression toward gouramis; beneficial for tank maintenance
Peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water; compatible temperature and pH ranges
Small, peaceful invertebrates that occupy lower levels; may be preyed upon if very small
Both are gouramis; monitor for territorial disputes; provide ample space and visual barriers
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure tight-fitting lid to prevent air exposure
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing at surface, gasping, swollen gill area, loss of appetite
Ensure access to clean air at the water surface, maintain optimal water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial; avoid sudden temperature drops
Velvet Disease
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, clamped fins, scratching behavior
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; dim lighting may help reduce stress
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – flake food, micro pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms
- lifespan
- 4–6 years
- max size
- 12 cm (4.7 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful; males mildly territorial
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)