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Maximum size : 12 cm
Pearl Gourami - Trichopodus Leerii : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Pearl Gouramis (Trichopodus Leerii) are a fascinating and popular species that can add beauty and diversity to any aquarium. These fish are not only attractive but also hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for novice aquarists. When it comes to tankmates, it is essential to select non-aggressive fish that are similar in size to your Pearl Gouramis. Good options include other Gouramis, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, and bottom-dwelling species such as Corydoras Catfish, Loaches, and Bristlenose Plecos. However, it would be best to avoid very small or aggressive fish as they may not get along with your Pearl Gouramis. To keep your Pearl Gouramis happy and healthy, it is crucial to replicate their natural environment in the aquarium. This means providing plenty of aquatic plants, rocks, driftwood, and bogwood arranged on a sandy substrate to create hiding places and swimming space. Avoid using floating plants as they may block their route to oxygen, and Pearl Gouramis need to spend a lot of time at the surface of the aquarium due to their labyrinth organ. Pearl Gouramis have a unique appearance with silvery blue bodies and pearl-like patterns on their bodies and fins. The black line that runs from their head to the tail adds to their beauty, and their large and delicate fins are a sight to behold. When breeding, the males have a bright orange throat, making them even more striking. In conclusion, with their peaceful nature and easy care requirements, they are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.Pearl Gourami Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Pearl Gouramis is a straightforward process. Males are larger and more vibrant in colour, displaying an eye-catching orange hue around the throat area. This colouration becomes even more intense during the mating season as males use it to attract females. Furthermore, males possess elongated fins, and an orange tinge can be observed in their fins, except for the caudal fin. Conversely, females are smaller and less colourful, featuring shorter fins and a rounder abdomen compared to males. Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Trichopodus Leerii |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1852 |
| Other Names | Lace gourami, Mosaic gourami, Leeri gourami |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Genus | Trichopodus |
| Origins | Malaysia Thailand Indonesia |
| Max Size | 12 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | N/A |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| KH | 3 - 8 |
| TDS | 50 - 150 |
| ℉ | 72 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22.2 - 27.8 |
The Pearl Gourami has been featured on the following stamps.
Featured Species
Natural habitat
Pearl Gouramis are native to Malaysia, Thailand, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia. Pearl Gouramis typically occupy slow-moving waters in swamps, stagnant tributaries, lakes, and low rivers. They prefer environments with plenty of aquatic vegetation and rocky substrate, providing them with ample opportunities to feed, shelter, rest, and hide. Sadly, Pearl Gouramis are currently classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their natural habitats are at risk due to the destruction caused by damming and logging, as well as overfishing. Adding Pearl Gouramis to your aquarium is an excellent way to showcase their unique beauty and contribute to their conservation efforts. So why wait? Explore the wonders of Pearl Gouramis and help protect these remarkable creatures from extinction!
Borneo Peat Swamp Forests - Indonesia
How to breed the Pearl Gourami
To successfully breed Pearl Gouramis, it is recommended to set up a separate breeding tank. The tank should contain shallow, mature water with floating plants and gentle filtration. An air-powered sponge filter would be the most suitable filtration option. To encourage breeding, it is essential to condition the fish with live food. When the female is full of eggs, the male builds a nest of tiny bubbles using plants to bind them together. The female then moves into the nest's vicinity, and the male wraps his body around her tightly. She shakes her body, releasing a few eggs, and the male picks up the eggs and spits them into the bubble nest. This process repeats several times until the female has released all her eggs. Once the female has run out of eggs, the male will chase her away, and it is advisable to remove her at this point to prevent any harm. The male will then tend to the nest and guard the eggs until they hatch, which usually takes between 20 and 30 hours. After hatching, the fry will be able to swim freely in about 4-5 days, and the male should be removed at this point. Initially, it is recommended to feed the fry with liquid fry food or infusoria for the first week. After that, they can be fed with crushed flake food, microworm, and baby brine shrimp. It is important to note that the babies take a while to grow, and extra care must be taken when performing water changes, as they can be sensitive to changes in water temperature for the first few months.Diet & feeding
Pearl Gouramis require a balanced diet of both dried and live/frozen foods to maintain optimal health and colouration. High-quality dried foods, such as flakes, granules, pellets, and algae wafers, are essential as the staple of their diet, while live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and blackworms, provide necessary protein and enrichment. Occasional vegetable treats, such as blanched spinach or peas, can also benefit Pearl Gouramis. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding, as these fish will eat almost anything offered to them. Feeding two to three small meals daily is sufficient, and any excess food should be removed to prevent it from decaying and negatively impacting the water quality. Regularly monitoring your fish's feeding habits and adjusting the amount accordingly will ensure a healthy and thriving community in your aquarium.Other Gouramis you maybe interested in
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