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Red Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Dwarf Gourami · red
📍 South Asia (India, Bangladesh)
The Red Dwarf Gourami is selectively bred for dominant red coloration with little blue striping. Care is the same as other dwarf gouramis — keep males separated and pair with peaceful community fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Red Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores that thrive on high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia once daily. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers 2-3 times weekly to support digestive health and coloration.
Behavior
These labyrinth fish are generally peaceful but males are highly territorial and must be kept singly or in heavily planted tanks with visual barriers. They are slow, deliberate swimmers that prefer calm environments and spend time near the surface gulping air; they are most active during dawn and dusk.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions, dense floating plants for nest-building, and separation of the male after spawning to prevent egg predation. Males construct bubble nests and exhibit strong parental care; fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food or territory
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water column
Peaceful community fish, though slightly larger than neons
Useful for algae control; large enough to avoid predation
Hardy plant for creating territorial boundaries and shelter
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins
Improve water quality with frequent changes, reduce stress, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Dwarf Gourami Virus (DGV)
Lethargy, loss of color, bloating, gasping at surface, erratic swimming
No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water conditions to slow progression
Bacterial Infection
Ulcers, sores, cloudy eyes, torn fins, loss of appetite
Perform 50% water change, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain pristine water conditions
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Varieties
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