The Pearl Gourami is a peaceful and stunning tropical fish perfect for community tanks. This guide covers everything you need to know about care, diet, and breeding.
Quick Facts About the Pearl Gourami
| Scientific Name | Trichopodus leerii |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Size | Up to 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Tank Level | Mid to top |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Temperature | 77–82°F (25–28°C) |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
Appearance and Behavior
The Pearl Gourami gets its name from the shimmering white “pearl” spots that cover its body, contrasting beautifully with a dark horizontal stripe. Males develop an orange-red throat and belly, especially during breeding season.
They are labyrinth breathers and will occasionally rise to the surface for air. This is completely normal behavior and part of what makes them unique.
Ideal Tank Setup
Tank Size & Dimensions
A 30-gallon tank or larger is recommended for a small group. Choose a tank with horizontal swimming space to suit their habits.
Filtration & Flow
Use a sponge filter or adjustable filter with low flow to avoid disturbing their calm nature.
Substrate & Decorations
Dark substrate enhances their colors. Add driftwood, caves, and plenty of live or artificial plants, especially floating types like Frogbit or Duckweed.
Lighting & Water Parameters
Provide moderate lighting and maintain water temperature between 77–82°F with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Slightly acidic water is ideal.
Diet and Feeding
Pearl Gouramis are omnivores and enjoy a balanced mix of protein and plant matter.
- High-quality flakes or pellets
- Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
- Occasional treats: blanched spinach or zucchini
Feed small portions 1–2 times a day, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Pearl Gouramis are peaceful and thrive in calm community tanks.
Compatible Tank Mates:
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Otocinclus
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Platies and Mollies
Tank Mates to Avoid:
- Fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs
- Aggressive or territorial fish
- Fast surface swimmers
Breeding Pearl Gouramis
Breeding is possible in a dedicated tank with the right setup.
Breeding Tips:
- Use a separate tank with shallow water and floating plants
- Raise the temperature to 80–82°F
- Males build bubble nests; remove the female after spawning
- Remove the male once fry are free-swimming (around 3 days)
- Feed fry infusoria, then baby brine shrimp as they grow
Common Health Issues
- Ich: Treat with heat and aquarium-safe medications
- Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality—improve cleanliness
- Swim Bladder Issues: Avoid overfeeding, feed peas occasionally
Why Choose the Pearl Gourami?
They’re ideal for peaceful aquariums, easy to care for, and visually stunning. Their calm demeanor, shimmering scales, and unique bubble nest behavior make them a favorite among hobbyists.
Conclusion
The Pearl Gourami is one of the best community fish for tropical freshwater aquariums. With proper care, a peaceful environment, and a well-balanced diet, they’ll thrive and become a shimmering star in your tank.
FAQs
Q: Are Pearl Gouramis aggressive?
A: No, they are generally peaceful and suitable for community tanks.
Q: Can I keep just one Pearl Gourami?
A: Yes, but they’re more comfortable in groups of 3–5.
Q: How can I tell males from females?
A: Males have orange-red coloration on the throat and belly, especially when ready to breed.
Q: Do Pearl Gouramis need a heater?
A: Yes, they are tropical fish and require temperatures between 77–82°F.
