Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Family: Osphronemidae • Origin: South Asia
Dwarf Gouramis are strikingly colorful with red and blue striping. However, they're prone to Dwarf Gourami Disease (iridovirus).
Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
3.5"
Temperature
72-82°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
4 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
top
Hardness
4-15 dGH
semi-aggressiveintermediateomnivore
Care Tips
- • Only keep one male
- • Prone to iridovirus — buy from reputable source
- • Males territorial with each other
- • Honey gourami is healthier alternative
- • Labyrinth breather — needs surface access
Feeding: Flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp.
Compatibility Notes: Males are territorial — only keep one. Prone to iridovirus (DGD). Honey gourami is healthier alternative.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Swimming Level
- top
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 4–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 2/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Males are territorial — only keep one. Prone to iridovirus (DGD). Honey gourami is healthier alternative.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- bubble nest
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
10 gallonplanted tankcenterpiece fish
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
73-81°FpH 4.5-6.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
