Dwarf gourami
Trichogaster lalius
The Dwarf gourami reaches up to 6 cm. Males display bright blue and red stripes, while females are duller. It has a labyrinth organ allowing it to breathe atmospheric air. It is a shy fish that appreciates densely planted areas. It can become territorial during breeding. It builds a bubble nest for spawning. Its lifespan is 2 to 4 years.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| GH | 4–10 |
| KH | 3–8 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Maintain a temperature of 24-28°C and pH 6.0-7.5. A minimum tank size of 40 liters is recommended. Water should be soft to moderately hard (GH 4-10). Provide a varied diet: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Plant the aquarium densely and provide hiding spots. Avoid strong currents. This gourami is compatible with other peaceful fish of similar size. Males can be aggressive towards each other; it is best to keep them in pairs or a single male. A lid is necessary as it may jump.