Dwarf Gourami

Name: Dwarf Gourami
SKU: 15785
Availability: InStock

₹60

The Dwarf Gourami ( $T r i c h o g a s t er l a l i u s$ ) is a vibrant, small-sized labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Males feature stunning vertical stripes of red, blue, and sometimes orange, making them an excellent showpiece for peaceful community tanks. As labyrinth fish, they require access to the water surface to gulp air.

Categories: Cichlids, Fish Specific, That Fish Place Special

Description

fish description – Dwarf Gourami Care Guide ( $T r i c h o g a s t er l a l i u s$ )

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$T r i c h o g a s t er l a l i u s$ (formerly $C o l i s a l a l ia$ )
Common Name	Dwarf Gourami, Powder Blue Gourami, Flame Gourami
Origin	Slow-moving waters of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
Adult Size	2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Temperament	Peaceful, generally solitary, shy
Lifespan	3–5 years (up to 5 in optimal conditions)
Care Level	Easy to Moderate (sensitive to water quality and strong current)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

Short Description: This fish has an oblong, laterally compressed body, displaying distinct vertical stripes of blue, red, and orange/yellow (depending on the color strain, such as Powder Blue or Flame). It uses its whisker-like pelvic fins to feel its way through the water.
Coloration: Males are significantly more colorful, with the classic pattern of shimmering blue stripes alternating with red or orange vertical bands. Females are smaller and duller, typically a silvery-grey or light blue-grey.
Fins: Males have pointed dorsal and anal fins, while the female’s fins are shorter and more rounded. Males are responsible for building floating bubble nests during breeding.
Behavior: As a Labyrinth fish, they must surface occasionally to gulp air. They are generally shy and thrive in densely vegetated tanks with calm, slow-moving water. Males can be territorial toward other males or similar-looking fish.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons is the absolute minimum, but a 20-gallon long tank is recommended to provide ample space and stability. A tight-fitting lid is essential to maintain a warm, humid air layer above the water surface.
Schooling: Best kept as a single male, a single male with one or two females, or a single individual. Males may fight for territory.
Temperature: Tropical range: $7 2^{\circ}$ – $8 2^{\circ} F (2 2^{\circ}$ – $2 8^{\circ} C)$ (ideally $7 7^{\circ}$ – $8 0^{\circ} F$ ).
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.0 to 7.5. They require stable water parameters and dislike high nitrates. Soft to moderately hard water is preferred.
Aquascape: Mimic their natural slow-moving, vegetated habitat. Use plenty of live plants (floating plants are crucial for cover and nest building), driftwood, and caves to provide hiding spots. Use gentle filtration to maintain minimal water flow and surface agitation.

Diet and Feeding

The Dwarf Gourami is an omnivore that will eat a wide variety of foods.

Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
Supplementation: A varied diet with both plant and animal matter is essential for color and health. Offer live or frozen foods regularly: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, and Daphnia. They also enjoy blanched vegetables (e.g., shelled peas, zucchini).
Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. They are not fast eaters, so ensure they get their share and that no food is left to foul the water.

Compatibility

Caution: Avoid keeping two males together unless the tank is very large and heavily structured. They may become stressed by boisterous, fast-swimming fish or fin-nippers (like Tiger Barbs).
Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful, non-aggressive, and similarly sized community fish. Examples include Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, small Tetras (Neon, Ember), and Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili).