Overview
- The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a colorful labyrinth fish. Males have red and blue bars.
- Native to Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh, in slow, heavily planted ponds, swamps, ditches and canals.
- Grows to about 3.5 in (8.8 cm) standard length.
- Line-bred forms include “sunset” (flame) and powder blue.
Feeding
- Omnivorous. A quality dried food works as the staple.
- Add regular small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.
Habitat
- Heavily planted, shady tank with hiding places, a dark substrate and floating plants.
- Keep water flow to a minimum.
- Water: 72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–18.
Fish Care
- Prone to health problems, including dwarf gourami iridovirus. [UNVERIFIED] Buy from a trusted source and quarantine new fish.
Compatibility
- A cautious choice for community tanks.
- Shy and territorial, so make it the main fish in a small tank.
- Avoid other gouramis, bettas and brightly colored fish such as guppies.
Aquarium Behavior
- Males are territorial toward each other.
- Breathes air at the surface with its labyrinth organ.
Breeding
- A bubble nest builder. Not too difficult, though males can be unpredictable.
- Use a separate 18–24 in (45–60 cm) tank with fine-leaved plants like hornwort and floating plants.