(RA) Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Description

Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius

• Family: Osphronemidae

• Origin: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan

• Size: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 4 – 6 years

• Tank Zone: Mid-water

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Brightly colored, with males often red, blue, or turquoise; females paler.

• Peaceful, shy, and ideal for community tanks.

• Slow swimmers; prefer calm water and plants for cover.

• Males may display mild territorial behavior.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).

• Feeding Schedule: 2 small meals per day; avoid overfeeding.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a single pair; larger for multiple fish.

• Filtration: Gentle flow; Dwarf Gouramis dislike strong currents.

• Decor: Dense plants, floating plants, and hiding spots; open swimming space.

• Water Changes: 25% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Peaceful; do best in groups with one male per tank or as a pair.

• Avoid aggressive species.

✅ Do’s

• Keep plenty of plants to mimic natural habitat.

• Maintain clean water to avoid disease.

• Male-female pair is ideal for breeding.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep multiple males in a small tank; may fight.

• Avoid strong currents.

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Hardy, colorful, and beginner-friendly.

• Active mid-water swimmer; adds bright color to planted aquariums.