Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
76-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
4 years
About Sparkling Gourami
The sparkling gourami is a tiny, jewel-like labyrinth fish from the shallow, densely vegetated waters of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Its body is covered in iridescent blue-green speckles that sparkle brilliantly under light, with red and blue highlights in the fins and a distinctive bright blue eye. Perhaps most remarkable is the sparkling gourami's ability to produce audible croaking sounds using its pectoral fins and a specialized muscle mechanism, earning it the alternate name croaking gourami. These tiny fish can actually be heard from across a room during courtship displays. At just 1.5 inches, they are among the smallest gourami species and are ideal for nano tanks and small planted setups.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°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
Sparkling gouramis thrive in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with dense planting, floating cover, and very gentle filtration. They prefer warm, soft, slightly acidic water at 76-82°F with minimal surface agitation for comfortable air breathing. Males build small bubble nests and croak audibly during courtship, which is a fascinating behavior to observe. Keep them singly, in pairs, or in small groups with adequate space and hiding spots, as males can be territorial in tight quarters. Feed micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. They are delicate and should only be housed with other tiny, peaceful species. Listen carefully and you will hear their croaking.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
4yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Sparkling Gourami
Related Species You Might Like
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Moonlight Gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Tank Mates for Sparkling 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
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
moderate · 20+ gal
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
moderate · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Sparkling Gourami need?
A Sparkling Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres).
What water parameters does a Sparkling Gourami need?
Sparkling Gourami thrive in water between 76-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Sparkling Gourami easy to care for?
Sparkling Gourami are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 4 years.
How big do Sparkling Gourami get and what do they eat?
Sparkling Gourami reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Sparkling gouramis thrive in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with dense planting, floating cover, and very gentle filtration. They prefer warm, soft, slightly acidic water at 76-82°F with minimal surface agitation for comfortable air breathing. Males build small bubble nests and croak audibly during courtship, which is a fascinating behavior to observe. Keep them singly, in pairs, or in small groups with adequate space and hiding spots, as males can be territorial in tight quarters. Feed micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. They are delicate and should only be housed with other tiny, peaceful species. Listen carefully and you will hear their croaking.