Moonlight Gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
6 inches
Temperature
79-86°F (26-30°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
6 years
About Moonlight Gourami
The moonlight gourami is a large, ethereally beautiful fish from the lowland rivers, swamps, and rice paddies of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its entire body is covered in a silvery, iridescent sheen that glows with a pale greenish-blue luminescence under aquarium lighting, evoking the soft glow of moonlight on water. Males can be identified by their longer, orange-tinted dorsal fins and orange-red pelvic feelers. Moonlight gouramis are peaceful, somewhat shy giants of the gourami world, reaching up to 6 inches. They are gentle despite their size and prefer calm, densely planted environments where they can retreat among vegetation. Their otherworldly shimmer makes them a stunning centerpiece for large, peaceful community aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 79-86°F (26-30°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
Moonlight gouramis need a tank of at least 40 gallons with dense planting, floating plants, and subdued lighting to feel secure and show their best coloring. They prefer warm, soft, acidic water at 79-86°F with minimal current and gentle filtration. Their peaceful nature means they should only be housed with non-aggressive tankmates. They can be shy, especially in brightly lit, sparsely decorated tanks. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Males build large bubble nests when in breeding condition. Avoid sudden light changes and provide a gradual photoperiod transition. Moonlight gouramis are generally hardy but appreciate stable, warm conditions.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
15cm
Adult Size (6")
6yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Moonlight Gourami
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Blue Gourami
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Tank Mates for Moonlight Gourami
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
moderate · 40+ gal
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
moderate · 15+ gal
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
moderate · 20+ gal
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
moderate · 30+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Moonlight Gourami need?
A Moonlight Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).
What water parameters does a Moonlight Gourami need?
Moonlight Gourami thrive in water between 79-86°F (26-30°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Moonlight Gourami easy to care for?
Moonlight Gourami are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 6 years.
How big do Moonlight Gourami get and what do they eat?
Moonlight Gourami reach about 6 inches and are omnivores. Moonlight gouramis need a tank of at least 40 gallons with dense planting, floating plants, and subdued lighting to feel secure and show their best coloring. They prefer warm, soft, acidic water at 79-86°F with minimal current and gentle filtration. Their peaceful nature means they should only be housed with non-aggressive tankmates. They can be shy, especially in brightly lit, sparsely decorated tanks. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Males build large bubble nests when in breeding condition. Avoid sudden light changes and provide a gradual photoperiod transition. Moonlight gouramis are generally hardy but appreciate stable, warm conditions.