Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) - Tank-Bred!

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The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a beloved freshwater species known for its striking blue and red coloration, compact size, and peaceful disposition. This tank-bred variant is a popular choice for community tanks, adding both beauty and personality. With a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe air directly from the surface, the Dwarf Gourami adapts well to various water conditions, making it a resilient choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Brilliant Coloration: Vibrant blue and red hues that stand out in any aquarium.
• Compact and Peaceful: Great for smaller tanks and community setups.
• Labyrinth Fish: Equipped with a labyrinth organ, allowing it to breathe atmospheric air.
• Low-Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for, ideal for all skill levels.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

In the wild, Dwarf Gouramis are found in the slow-moving, vegetated waters of rivers and wetlands across South Asia, where they thrive in low-oxygen environments. In the aquarium, they frequently rise to the surface for a gulp of air—a typical behavior for labyrinth fish. Generally peaceful, they fit well in community tanks, though males may display mild territorial behavior when breeding.

Aquascaping and Tank Setup

Dwarf Gouramis thrive in aquariums with plenty of cover and open swimming space. Floating plants, such as Duckweed and Salvinia, create shaded areas, while low-light plants like Java Fern and Anubias enhance the tank’s natural look. A soft substrate, such as sand or smooth gravel, is ideal for these delicate fish.

Adding driftwood, rocks, and plants throughout the aquarium helps mimic their natural habitat and provides hiding spots that reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Diet and Feeding

Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. They readily accept high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. For optimal health and color, a balanced diet including both protein-rich and plant-based foods, such as spirulina flakes, is recommended. Occasionally, they may graze on algae, helping to keep the tank clean.

Labyrinth Fish Feature

As a labyrinth fish, the Dwarf Gourami has a special organ that allows it to breathe air directly from the surface. This adaptation makes them resilient in low-oxygen environments, though stable water quality and gentle flow are still ideal for their health and well-being.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

The Dwarf Gourami is peaceful and makes a great addition to community tanks. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other non-aggressive fish. Avoid pairing them with fin-nipping or aggressive species, as this may stress the gouramis. Providing enough hiding spots and space helps reduce any minor territorial tendencies.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 82°F (22° - 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 4 - 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; ideal for community tanks with other gentle species.
• Origin: Tank-bred, native to South Asia.
• Average Adult Size: 2 - 2.5 inches (5 - 6.3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm)
• Breeding: Bubble-nest builder; males may become more territorial during breeding.

Call to Action

Add the Dwarf Gourami to Your Aquarium Today!
With its vibrant colors, peaceful temperament, and low-maintenance care requirements, the Dwarf Gourami is an excellent addition to any community aquarium. Perfect for aquarists of all experience levels, this stunning fish brings a splash of personality and color to freshwater setups.

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