Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
3.5 inches
Temperature
77-82°F (25-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
4 years
About Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami is a strikingly beautiful labyrinth fish native to the slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Males display brilliant alternating stripes of iridescent blue and flame-red, while females are a more modest silvery color. Popular color variants include powder blue, flame red, and neon blue. Like bettas, dwarf gouramis possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface, an adaptation to warm, oxygen-depleted waters. Males build elaborate bubble nests at the water's surface using air bubbles coated in saliva, where they tend their eggs with remarkable dedication.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 77-82°F (25-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Labyrinth
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Provide a calm, well-planted tank with floating plants and minimal surface agitation to allow comfortable air breathing and bubble nest construction. Dwarf gouramis are prone to iridovirus (DGIV), a serious and often fatal viral disease common in mass-produced fish. Buy from reputable breeders and quarantine new specimens for at least two weeks. Keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large with broken sight lines, as males can be territorial. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 77-82°F. Feed a varied diet including quality flakes, frozen bloodworms, and small live foods. Avoid boisterous tankmates like tiger barbs that may nip their threadlike pelvic fins.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
9cm
Adult Size (3.5")
4yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Dwarf Gourami
Related Species You Might Like
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Moonlight Gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Tank Mates for Dwarf Gourami
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
easy · 10+ gal
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
easy · 15+ gal
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Dwarf Gourami need?
A Dwarf Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres).
What water parameters does a Dwarf Gourami need?
Dwarf Gourami thrive in water between 77-82°F (25-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Dwarf Gourami easy to care for?
Dwarf Gourami are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 4 years.
How big do Dwarf Gourami get and what do they eat?
Dwarf Gourami reach about 3.5 inches and are omnivores. Provide a calm, well-planted tank with floating plants and minimal surface agitation to allow comfortable air breathing and bubble nest construction. Dwarf gouramis are prone to iridovirus (DGIV), a serious and often fatal viral disease common in mass-produced fish. Buy from reputable breeders and quarantine new specimens for at least two weeks. Keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large with broken sight lines, as males can be territorial. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 77-82°F. Feed a varied diet including quality flakes, frozen bloodworms, and small live foods. Avoid boisterous tankmates like tiger barbs that may nip their threadlike pelvic fins.