The pearl gourami is among the most visually striking gouramis and is renowned for its resilience and ease of care. As a labyrinth fish, it can take in air from the water surface and retain it within its labyrinth chamber, a lung-like structure that aids in breathing air alongside gills. Unlike other fish, the pearl gourami can vocalize, often producing growling or croaking sounds during breeding or interactions with other males. Here's essential information about the species.
Species Overview
Common Names: Pearl gourami, mosaic gourami, lace gourami, diamond gourami, leeri gourami
Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
Adult Size: 4.5 inches (12 centimeters)
Life Expectancy: 4 to 5 years
Characteristics
| Family | Osphronemidae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and Thailand |
| Social | Peaceful, but males may be territorial |
| Tank Level | Top, mid-dweller |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Breeding | Bubble nest builder |
| Care | Easy |
| pH | 5.5 to 7.5 |
| Hardness | 2 to 30 dH |
| Temperature | 77 F to 82 F (25 C to 28 C) |
Origin and Distribution
This species originates in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. They prefer acidic water found in lowland swamps near the sea. Some pearl gouramis have been introduced to Singapore and Colombia. It's rare to find wild pearl gouramis for sale as aquarium fish as they are readily bred in captivity.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the pearl gourami as Near Threatened. This status is due to river damming, water management practices, ecosystem alterations from logging, and direct harvesting of wild specimens.1
Colors and Markings
The pearl gourami features an elongated, laterally compressed body. Its ventral (pelvic) fins resemble long feelers, as reflected in the Genus name Trichopodus ("hair-feet"). The small, upturned mouth signifies a surface-feeding habit. White pearly spots on its brown body create a mother-of-pearl effect, from which the fish derives its name. A black line extends horizontally from mouth to tail, ending with a spot. The ventral head shows an orange hue, intensifying during breeding to attract mates.
Tankmates
Pearl gouramis thrive in a peaceful community aquarium but should not be housed with overly aggressive species. Males can exhibit aggression towards other males or gouramis. They are best kept with similarly sized, temperament-matched species, or alongside small schooling fish. A recommended grouping is one male with several females to minimize aggression.
Pearl Gourami Habitat and Care
In their natural habitat filled with vegetation, pearl gouramis flourish with similar conditions in the aquarium. Optimal setups include floating plants, subdued lighting, and a dark substrate. While preferring soft, acidic water, they adapt well to varied conditions, making them ideal for community tanks due to their peaceful disposition.
Pearl Gourami Diet and Feeding
Pearl gouramis are easy to feed, accepting a wide range of foods such as flakes, freeze-dried, and frozen options. For optimal health, supplement their diet with fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, cooked peas, and spinach. Live foods, including blackworms, brine shrimp, and glass worms, are excellent supplements, especially when conditioning them for breeding.
Growing Brine Shrimp: A Complete Guide From Eggs to Adult
Gender Differences
Male pearl gouramis are distinguished by thinner, more angular bodies, with slightly longer fins and a noticeable red breast, exhibiting richer colors than females. Males have a distinct deep red-orange on their throat and breast, and their dorsal fin is longer and more pointed. Females display a plumper body when ready to spawn.
Breeding the Pearl Gourami
Breeding pearl gouramis is straightforward. Condition the pair with live or frozen brine shrimp and worms beforehand. Ensure abundant floating plants and increase the water temperature to around 80°F. Lower the water level to approximately six inches, facilitating fry access to surface air, aiding labyrinth organ development.
The male initiates breeding by constructing a bubble nest, up to 10 inches wide, among floating plants, where spawning occurs. Once the nest is built, he displays courting behaviors towards the female. When the female approaches, the pair interacts using their pelvic fin feelers.
During spawning, the male encircles the female to facilitate the release of hundreds of eggs, which he fertilizes simultaneously. The eggs drift up into the nest, where the male collects any strays. Additional spawning actions may produce 200 to 300 eggs. After laying, the female is often chased away, necessitating her removal to prevent harm. The male exclusively guards the eggs until after four days, when the fry become free-swimming, at which point the male should be removed to prevent him from mistaking them for food.
Feed the fry liquid food or infusoria culture multiple times daily. Introduce newly hatched or frozen brine shrimp after about two weeks, and transition to finely-ground flake foods at one month old. Conduct water changes every two to three days. As the fry increase in size, distribute them across several tanks to mitigate waste accumulation. Crowding can impair growth and lead to increased mortality due to poor water quality.
More Pet Fish Species and Further Research
Various gourami species exhibit diverse markings and share the labyrinth organ trait, allowing them to intake air from the surface. For those interested in similar species, consider exploring:
- Blue gourami species profile
- Chocolate gourami species profile
- Dwarf gourami species profile
Check out additional fish species profiles for more information on other freshwater fish.
FAQ
Can you keep one pearl gourami?
It is possible to keep a single pearl gourami, yet as social and peaceful fish, they are generally happier and experience less stress when kept in small groups. Naturally, they form small communities and interact actively with their kind. Ideally, house pearl gouramis in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals, which encourages natural behaviors and establishes social hierarchy while ensuring a higher female-to-male ratio to reduce male territorial disputes.
Can you keep a pearl gourami in a 10-gallon tank?
Keeping a pearl gourami in a 10-gallon aquarium is not advised. Though young gouramis may initially fit in small tanks, they require more space for healthy development. A 20-gallon tank is ideal for one pearl gourami, while a 40-gallon or larger tank is recommended for groups.
How big does a pearl gourami get?
How big does a pearl gourami get?</b></div><div><p>Pearl gouramis are relatively large, reaching 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 centimeters) as adults. With proper care, including ample space and a balanced diet, they attain their full size within one to two years.
Are pearl gouramis peaceful?
Pearl gouramis are known for their peaceful nature, making them popular in community aquariums. However, their behavior can be influenced by factors such as tank size, water conditions, and tankmates.