
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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Sign in to check my tanksCare 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
- 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