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Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius)
Photo: Felix Gertz · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Dwarf gourami

Trichogaster lalius · Osphronemidae

Also known as Flame gourami, Powder blue gourami

Beginner

Popular small centrepiece, but farmed stock commonly carries dwarf gourami iridovirus — buy carefully.

Minimum tank
60 L
Temperature
24–29 °C
pH
6–7.5
Adult size
7 cm
Group size
1+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
60 L
Temperature
24–29 °C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
4–15 dGH
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Omnivore — flake, micro pellets, frozen foods.
Care level
Beginner
Origin & habitat
Native region
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Slow, weedy irrigation channels
Natural conditions
Warm, still, plant-dense water.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Minimum group
1 fish
Swims
Top
Good tank mates
Corydoras
Harlequin rasbora
Otocinclus
Avoid
Another male dwarf gourami
Betta
Fin nippers
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Intermediate
Sexing
Males are colourful with a pointed dorsal; females silvery.
Notes
Bubble-nester; males can be rough with females afterwards.
Common ailments
Dwarf gourami iridovirus
Bacterial infections

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