Dwarf croaking guaramy — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia, calm labyrinth fish; boisterous tankmates stress it. Reaches 3–4.4 cm; singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner. 25–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
25–28 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
3–4.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm labyrinth fish; boisterous tankmates stress it
Origin
Southeast Asia
Species overview
Trichopsis pumila is a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia. It gulps air at the surface, so warm, still, plant-covered water is home — and cold drafts are not. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3–4.4 cm. Singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner. Give it warm, gentle water, floating plants and quiet neighbours; filter flow should barely ripple the surface. Maintain 25–28 °C at pH 6–7. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Still waters, rice paddies and slow streams
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Soft sand with leaf litter
Hardscape
Dense planting and shelters
Plants
Dense hardy plants reaching the surface
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner
Diet
Surface-feeding omnivore that savours variety
Recommended tankmates
Peaceful mid-water schoolers — Add motion without menace
Avoid keeping with
Fast, aggressive feeders — Starve it out at every meal