Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
5 inches
Temperature
77-82°F (25-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
5 years
About Pearl Gourami
The pearl gourami is widely considered one of the most beautiful labyrinth fish, native to the lowland swamps and rivers of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its body is covered in an exquisite pattern of pearlescent white spots on a warm brown-orange background, with a bold dark stripe running from mouth to tail. Males develop a fiery orange-red chest and throat during breeding season. Like all gouramis, pearls possess a labyrinth organ for breathing atmospheric air. They are peaceful, elegant swimmers that move through the aquarium with a calm, flowing grace. Pearl gouramis build bubble nests at the water surface and are among the easier labyrinth fish to breed in captivity.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 77-82°F (25-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • 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
Pearl gouramis do best in a tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of plants, including floating varieties that provide surface cover and support for bubble nests. Keep the water calm with minimal surface agitation to allow comfortable air breathing. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 77-82°F. Males can be kept together in spacious, well-planted tanks with multiple territories, but may become aggressive in cramped quarters. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with other gentle species. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Avoid boisterous tankmates that may compete for surface access.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
13cm
Adult Size (5")
5yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Pearl Gourami
Related Species You Might Like
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Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
Tank Mates for Pearl 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
Red Eye Tetra
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
easy · 20+ gal
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
easy · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Pearl Gourami need?
A Pearl Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).
What water parameters does a Pearl Gourami need?
Pearl Gourami thrive in water between 77-82°F (25-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Pearl Gourami easy to care for?
Pearl Gourami are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Pearl Gourami get and what do they eat?
Pearl Gourami reach about 5 inches and are omnivores. Pearl gouramis do best in a tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of plants, including floating varieties that provide surface cover and support for bubble nests. Keep the water calm with minimal surface agitation to allow comfortable air breathing. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 77-82°F. Males can be kept together in spacious, well-planted tanks with multiple territories, but may become aggressive in cramped quarters. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with other gentle species. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Avoid boisterous tankmates that may compete for surface access.