Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

Family: Osphronemidae

A graceful, pearl-spotted gourami from peat swamps; peaceful, slow-moving and hardy.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH hardness
3–12 dGH
Adult length
10–12 cm
Minimum tank
60 L
Water layer
All layers, unhurried
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle; males posture at spawning
Origin
Southeast Asia

Species overview

Pearl-spotted velvet moving through a dim tank — the pearl gourami is one of the most beautiful community fish that also happens to be forgiving. It prefers calm water, cover, and soft, warm conditions.

Native biotope

Habitat
Tea-stained, plant-choked swamps
Flow
Still to gentle
Dissolved O₂
Labyrinth breather; low-flow tolerant

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand; leaf litter for tannins
Hardscape
Driftwood arches and caves
Plants
Thick planting with open swimming lanes

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Pairs or trios in larger tanks
Diet
Omnivore; flakes, frozen, occasional live
Recommended tankmates
  • Harlequin rasbora — Same soft-water world
  • Corydoras — Calm bottom company
  • Dwarf gourami — Choose one gourami species
Avoid keeping with
  • Fast barbs — Outcompeted at feeding
  • Large cichlids — Bullied or worse
  • Strong-flow species — Different habitat entirely

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males develop a red throat and a longer dorsal filament; females are rounder
Breeding method
Bubble-nest builder; floating plants support the nest; the male tends the fry.

Frequently asked questions

Is Trichopodus leerii easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: territorial; one male per tank; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Trichopodus leerii need?

Hold 24–30 °C and keep it stable — 24–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater required; stable warmth.

How big does Trichopodus leerii get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 9–13.2 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 209 litres.

What does Trichopodus leerii eat?

Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. It forages naturally over soft sand with leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Trichopodus leerii live with other fish?

Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Trichopodus leerii come from?

Native to Southeast Asia, where it lives in still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.

Does Trichopodus leerii jump?

It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.

How does Trichopodus leerii breed?

Bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.