Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 10–13 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 30 gal |
| Temperature | 24–28°C |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–15 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore — flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched cucumber |
| Schooling | Keep 1 male + 2 females, or females only |
Tank Setup
The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) requires a minimum tank size of 30 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness 2–15 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and planted areas to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Pearl Gourami are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Cherry Shrimp. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Keep 1 male + 2 females, or females only. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.
Diet & Feeding
Pearl Gourami are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet to ensure optimal health and colouration.
Omnivore — flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched cucumber
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. Supplement with live or frozen foods for optimal health and colour.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Pearl Gourami can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Pearl Gourami is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — caves or hiding places for egg-laying species. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Pearl Gourami will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Pearl Gourami need?
A Pearl Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 30 gal. However, larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Pearl Gourami easy to keep?
Pearl Gourami are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Pearl Gourami eat?
Pearl Gourami are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet including flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched cucumber.
Can Pearl Gourami live with other fish?
Pearl Gourami are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Cherry Shrimp. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.