Dwarf gourami

Care at a glance

Overview

A peaceful midwater fish that spends a lot of time near the top. Keep one male, or a male with a couple of females, in at least 60 liters, since two males will fight. They do best in warm, calm water with plenty of plants to feel secure. Feed a varied diet of flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen foods, and they will pick at small live foods too.

In the wild

Dwarf gouramis come from slow, plant-choked waters across Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, including rice paddies, ditches, and sluggish streams. These spots are warm, still, and full of cover. Recreate that with dense planting, some floating plants, and calm water with little surface current. They breathe air at the surface, so leave a gap between the water and the lid and avoid strong filter flow.

Good to know

This is a labyrinth fish in the family Osphronemidae, reaching about 7.5 cm. The labyrinth organ lets it gulp air from the surface to supplement its gills. It is a bubble-nest builder, with the male constructing a floating nest and guarding the eggs. Breeding it is difficult, and the species is known to carry a viral disease, often called dwarf gourami iridovirus, in farmed stock.

Did you know

Dwarf gouramis use their long, thread-like pelvic fins as feelers, touching objects and even tankmates to explore their surroundings. The fins are sensitive to taste and touch, which helps them find food in murky water.

Related species

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• 

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• 

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• 

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