Flame Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) – Tank Bred

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Product Description

The Flame Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius), with its brilliant red and orange hues, is one of the most striking members of the gourami family. This tank-bred variant showcases intense coloration and thrives in community aquariums. Known for its peaceful nature and compact size, the Flame Dwarf Gourami is ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists. Its labyrinth organ allows it to breathe air from the water's surface, making it adaptable to a range of water conditions.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Vivid Red-Orange Coloration: Bright and eye-catching, adding a pop of color to any aquarium.
• Compact and Hardy: Perfect for smaller tanks and community setups.
• Labyrinth Fish: Equipped with a labyrinth organ, allowing it to breathe surface air.
• Easy to Care For: A resilient species that fits well into various aquascapes and tank conditions.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

In the wild, Flame Dwarf Gouramis are found in slow-moving, densely vegetated waters of rivers and wetlands across South Asia. These habitats are often low in oxygen, making the labyrinth organ essential for their survival. In the aquarium, you may observe them rising to the surface to take a gulp of air—a normal behavior for labyrinth fish. Their peaceful nature makes them well-suited to community tanks, though males may exhibit slight territorial behavior during breeding.

Aquascaping and Tank Setup

Flame Dwarf Gouramis thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of cover and open swimming spaces. Floating plants, such as Water Sprite or Duckweed, provide cover and create a natural environment where this species feels at home. Plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne work well for lower levels of the tank, enhancing the natural aquascape. Fine substrate, such as sand or smooth gravel, is recommended to avoid injuries to this delicate fish.

Placing driftwood and rocks around the tank provides both hiding spots and visual interest, helping reduce stress and encouraging the Flame Dwarf Gourami to display its vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

Flame Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. They eagerly accept high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. For optimal health and color enhancement, include a mix of protein-rich foods and plant-based options, such as spirulina flakes. These gouramis may also graze on algae, contributing to tank cleanliness.

Labyrinth Fish Feature

As a labyrinth fish, the Flame Dwarf Gourami has a unique adaptation that allows it to breathe air directly from the surface. This ability makes them adaptable to varying water conditions and lower-oxygen environments. While they are resilient, they still appreciate stable water quality and a gentle water flow for optimal health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

The Flame Dwarf Gourami is a peaceful fish that integrates well with other non-aggressive species, making it an excellent choice for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and small, peaceful loaches. Avoid pairing them with fin-nipping or highly aggressive fish, as this can stress the gourami and lead to health issues. Ensuring enough hiding spots and room to explore will keep territorial behavior to a minimum.

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 non-aggressive fish.
• 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 become more territorial during breeding.