Pearl Gourami Adult Male (Trichopodus leerii) Bred in SA

Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

The Pearl Gourami is a graceful and visually stunning freshwater fish, admired for its shimmering pearl-like spots and elegant elongated fins. Native to Southeast Asia, this peaceful species is well-suited for community aquariums with calm tank mates. Its hardy nature, striking appearance, and gentle temperament make it a favorite among aquarists.

Natural Habitat

Pearl Gouramis are found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and floodplains in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These waters are typically warm, soft, and slightly acidic, with dense vegetation and plenty of hiding spots.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 liters for a pair or small group.
• Water Temperature: 24–30°C.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5.
• Water Hardness: 5–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow; Pearl Gouramis prefer calm waters.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel to mimic their natural environment.
• Decor: Include driftwood, caves, and smooth rocks for shelter.
• Plants: Dense vegetation such as Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants like Duckweed or Salvinia provides shade and hiding spots.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their shimmering spots while reducing stress.

Tank Mates

Pearl Gouramis are peaceful and compatible with other calm species. Suitable tank mates include:

• Small schooling fish like tetras, rasboras, and danios.
• Bottom-dwellers like Corydoras or kuhli loaches.
• Other peaceful gouramis or small livebearers.
  Avoid: Aggressive or overly active fish that may stress or nip at their long fins.

Feeding

Pearl Gouramis are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for gouramis or tropical fish.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Offer blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods occasionally.
  Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions to avoid overfeeding.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Pearl Gouramis are active swimmers that often explore their environment but prefer calm waters.
• Social Behavior: They are social and best kept in groups of 4–6, with one male and several females to prevent aggression.
• Labyrinth Fish: Like all gouramis, they can breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.

Breeding

Breeding Pearl Gouramis is relatively straightforward in a well-prepared environment.

Sexing

• Males: More brightly colored with a reddish or orange throat and breast, especially during breeding.
• Females: Rounder bodies and less vibrant coloration.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Use a separate breeding tank of at least 60 liters with shallow water (15–20 cm depth).
• Maintain water temperature at 27–30°C and a pH of 6.5–7.0.
• Add floating plants for the male to construct a bubble nest.

Breeding Process

1. The male builds a bubble nest at the water’s surface.
2. After courtship, the female lays eggs, which the male fertilizes and places in the bubble nest.
3. The male guards the eggs and tends to the nest until they hatch (24–48 hours).
4. Remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression.

Fry Care

• Feed fry with infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
• Transition to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes as they grow.

Key Notes

• Behavior: Pearl Gouramis are gentle but may become territorial during breeding. Provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce conflicts.
• Water Maintenance: Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality and prevent stress.
• Health: Monitor for common illnesses like ich or fin rot, especially if water parameters fluctuate.

The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a beautiful and serene species that adds elegance to any community aquarium. Its peaceful nature, stunning appearance, and ease of care make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.