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.
In short: A dwarf gourami needs at least 60 L (16 US gal), water at 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 7 cm (2.8 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- 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
- CorydorasHarlequin rasboraOtocinclus
- Avoid
- Another male dwarf gouramiBettaFin 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 iridovirusBacterial infections
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Dwarf gourami against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanksGuides and lists that mention the dwarf gourami
- Why are my fish gasping at the surface?
- How to keep an aquarium warm in winter in India
- Best fish for a 2 feet tank
- Best fish for Indian heat and hard water
- Best freshwater fish for beginners
- Fish for a 60-litre (16-gallon) aquarium
- Aquarium fish native to India
- Check the dwarf gourami with your other fish in the stocking checker
