Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Also known as Pygmy Gourami, Croaking Gourami, Dwarf Croaking Gourami, Pumila Gourami
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Osphronemidae
📍 Mekong Basin, Southeast Asia
The Sparkling Gourami (Pygmy Gourami) is a tiny, jewel-like labyrinth fish barely 4 cm (1.6 in) long whose body glitters with iridescent blue-green spots. It produces a distinctive chirping or croaking sound during spawning, which is audible outside the aquarium. Its diminutive size makes it perfect for nano tanks with fine-leaved plants; it should not be housed with boisterous or much larger tankmates.
Community Photos
1 photoPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
by @finnzebelle
Sign in to vote.
Tanks keeping this 🐟
Kept by 1 hobbyistCommunity tanks featuring Sparkling Gourami.
Care Guide
Diet
Sparkling Gouramis are carnivorous and require small, protein-rich foods. Feed high-quality micro pellets, live or frozen micro worms, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp once daily in small portions. Supplement occasionally with finely crushed flake food, but prioritize live or frozen foods to maintain color and health.
Behavior
These tiny, peaceful fish are active top-dwellers that spend much time near the water surface and among plants. Males may engage in brief sparring displays with each other but rarely cause serious harm. They are known for producing distinctive croaking or chirping sounds, especially during spawning, which can be audible outside the tank.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but requires patience and ideal conditions. Provide dense fine-leaved plants, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), warm temperatures (26–28°C), and low water flow. Males build bubble nests and guard fry; remove the female after spawning to prevent predation on eggs.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller with similar water requirements; won't compete for food or space
Small, peaceful invertebrate; may be eaten if very young, but adults coexist well
Fine-leaved plant that provides shelter and mimics natural habitat
Tiny, peaceful schooling fish with identical water parameter needs
Nano-sized, non-aggressive fish ideal for small tanks with similar temperature requirements
Hardy plant that provides resting spots and won't be uprooted by this gentle species
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 daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 7–10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and remove decaying plant matter
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, loss of appetite, color fading
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; isolate if possible
Velvet Disease
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28–30°C, dim lights, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet medication; treat for 7–14 days
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – micro pellets, micro worms, daphnia, baby brine shrimp
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.6 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful toward other species; males may spar briefly
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 1–15 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.