Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Family: Osphronemidae

A peaceful omnivore osphronemidae from South Asia (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature
25–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
6.6–9.5 cm
Minimum tank
95 L
Water layer
Upper; surface-oriented
Difficulty
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
南亚（印度、巴基斯坦、孟加拉国）

Species overview

A Osphronemidae species: Trichogaster lalius lives upper; surface-oriented over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 6.6–9.5 cm. In a community tank it pairs well with Amur False Gudgeon, Striped Bitterling.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Bubble nester; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Dwarf gourami easy to keep?

Difficulty: easy. Peaceful. Solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Dwarf gourami need?

Set the heater to 25–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

How big does Dwarf gourami get, and what tank size?

Expect 6.6–9.5 cm as an adult, living upper; surface-oriented. A 95 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Dwarf gourami eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Dwarf gourami live with other fish?

Peaceful; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Dwarf gourami come from?

Native to 南亚（印度、巴基斯坦、孟加拉国）, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen.

How does Dwarf gourami breed?

Bubble nester; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.