Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius · Peaceful; males territorial with each other · Beginner care
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A pocket-sized labyrinth fish banded in fiery red-orange and electric blue. Calm, colourful and content in a gently planted tank — one of the most popular centrepiece nano fish.
At a glance
Species profile Trichogaster lalius
Origin
South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Family
Osphronemidae (gourami family)
Adult size
Up to 8 cm (3 in)
Diet
Flake, small pellets and frozen/live foods (bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia) (Omnivore)
Temperament
Peaceful; males territorial with each other
Swimming level
Middle to top
Minimum group
1+ (shoaling)
Lifespan
4-6 years
Minimum tank
60 L (15 gal)
Water type
Freshwater
Size to scale
8 cm adult length, shown to scale against an iPhone 15 Pro (14.66 cm).
Natural range
Where it comes from — South Asia
South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Water
Singapore tap water vs its needs
Hardness: Soft to medium (4-15 dGH).
In the aquarium
How it lives in the tank
Swims in the top & middle of the tank
Sensitivity Index — Moderate
Adaptable, but happiest with stable parameters in a matured tank.
Our own read on how forgiving this species is of water changes — not a formal standard.
Keeping & care
What this fish needs
Family
About the Osphronemidae family gourami family
Osphronemidae is the gourami family, a group of small-to-medium labyrinth fishes native to freshwater habitats across South and Southeast Asia. Their defining trait is the labyrinth organ, an accessory breathing structure that lets them gulp air at the surface, so they tolerate warm, still, low-oxygen water. Aquarium members range from peaceful nano species (sparkling and honey gouramis) to the popular but often territorial betta, with most being hardy, undemanding fish suited to gentle-flow planted tanks.
Provide gentle flow, a calm warm surface for air-breathing, and floating or tall plants for cover; keep only one male of the more territorial species (bettas, some dwarf gouramis) per tank to limit aggression.
Breeding
Bubble-nester (most members); some are mouthbroodersMost aquarium gouramis are bubble-nesters: the male builds a raft of mucus-coated air bubbles at the surface, often anchored under a floating leaf, then embraces the female beneath it and tends the eggs and fry alone while she is removed. Spawning is encouraged by a lowered, shallow water level, warm temperatures around 27-29°C, and calm surface water so the nest holds together. A minority of species (several Betta and some chocolate gouramis) are paternal mouthbrooders instead, with the male incubating eggs in his mouth; free-swimming fry are typically fed infusoria and then newly hatched brine shrimp.
Feeding
Recommended food
Compatibility
Best tankmates
Community
