Since their discovery, the dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) has captured the hearts of many beginner and experienced aquarist alike. They naturally inhabit slow-moving, thickly planted waters in South East Asia and India alongside Betta sp. like B. splendens and B. imbellis.
Their “feelers” help them sense their way through dark, murky waters – not unlike cat whiskers. These feelers help them avoid predication, find food, mates, and their way home. Interesting tidbit: their feelers are chemotactic, which means they taste everything that they touch.
For years dwarf gouramis have been one of the most popular aquarium fish. Their small size, bright colors, and (generally) peaceful demeanor makes them perfect tank inhabitants! In India, they’re popular as well – but predominantly for food or fish meal. However, years of inbreeding and farm raising have turned these dwarves into the less-than-hardy versions of themselves with the introduction of diseases like DGIV and DGD.
Both diseases cause deterioration in muscle tissue, loss of color, skin, and scales, and are incurable once contracted. Although the wild-caught specimens are still just as hardy, they’re much harder to come by.
Which begs the question, are these dwarves worth keeping? I would say so, and many others agree, so let’s see why without further ado.
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Table of contents
Table of Contents
Dwarf Gourami FAQ
Can dwarf gouramis live alone?
Dwarf gouramis can live on their own, but it’s not recommended. They’re highly social creatures, and living without others of their own kind often makes them shy and reclusive. They do much better in groups of four to six.
Is my dwarf gourami a male or female?
Telling male gouramis from female gouramis is pretty straightforward. The males are usually more colorful. With powder blue gouramis this is a little bit more difficult. The female will often be rounder and plumper, whereas the male will be a little bit more blocky and smaller.
Can you keep a dwarf gourami without an air pump?
You can keep dwarf gouramis without an air pump as they can breathe atmospheric oxygen. However, I suggest using a sponge filter for their tank, and using a sponge filter without an air pump is impossible. I would say yes, it’s possible, but it’s not the best option.
Additionally, a lack of surface agitation can cause a layer of biofilm to accumulate on the surface of the water, which may interfere with their labyrinth organ (the jury’s still out though.)
Find Other Fish
Looking for something specific? You can discover other fish with similar characteristics! They open in a new tab so you can keep reading too!
Distribution & Natural Habitat
Dwarf gouramis, not unlike bettas, can be found in rice patties, slow-moving rivers, stagnant ponds, and lakes in Southern Asia. However, you can find them in swamps, ditches, and irrigation canals. They have a wide distribution through Pakistan, northern India, and Bangladesh. There are some reports that T. lalius occur in Nepal and Myanmar that are now thought to be a result of misidentification.
Feral populations also exist in a handful of countries including Singapore, USA, and Columbia. These guys are considered to be an invasive species in places like Florida, and no doubt, other places throughout the United States and South America. This invasive species status is likely a result of captive-bred individuals being released into local waterways, either through farming or hobbyists. This dwarf invasion is a perfect example of why it’s important to rehome unwanted fish responsibly.
Dwarf Gourami Care
Difficulty: Easy – DGIV and DGD present problems
Size: 2″ (5 cm)
Lifespan: 6 years
Tank Size: 10 G. (40L)
Diet: Omnivore – primarily insects
Temperature: 72 – 80F (22 – 27C)
Tank Specs
Unless you’re breeding them in a group, a 20-gallon (80 liters) long is fine for a small group of gouramis.
Dwarf gouramis, like all anabantoids, have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen. This organ is especially helpful in their natural environment where oxygenation in the water is usually low. In an aquarium setting, however, this can pose a problem if the air above the tank isn’t moist enough. Ensuring your lid is tight with minimal gaps helps prevent health issues related to dry air.
Additionally, you’re probably going to need a heater. Dwarf gouramis prefer temps in the mid-70s. If you’re unsure where to start, I have my favorite tried and trues below.
Suggested heaters & tank kits
Aqueon Pro
Rating: 4 stars
Price: $22 – $31 *size dependent
Since they changed to a new manufacturer, these heaters can be hit or miss – but Chewy seems to have a better track record than Amazon. My heaters from 2014 are still going strong, but even the new heaters come with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- 68 F – 88 F
- Lifetime warranty
- Not glass
- Shatter-resistant
Cons:
- Needs calibrating out of the box
- Dial can be fiddly
- Bulky for smaller tanks
Hygger Titanium
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $50 – $93 *size dependent
This heater comes with an external controller, a wide range of temps, is shatterproof, and has great reviews. I didn’t give it the top spot because is there’s no ability to hook it up to another controller for redundancy – making failures in the unit’s controller catastrophic -, the warranty is too short for me, and there’s no way to recalibrate it.
Pros:
- 32 F – 104 F
- External controls
- Shatterproof
Cons:
- No redundancy option
- No recalibration option
- Only 1-year warranty
Cobalt Neo-Therm
Rating: 3.9 stars
Price: $56 – $106 *size dependent
Cobalt Neo Therms are some of the most reliable heaters on the market. There does seem to be some issues with certain wattages, however, and overheating seems to be a consistent issue for those models (150w & 200w being the most common.)
Pros:
- 66 F – 96 F
- 0.5-degree accuracy
- Super sleek
- Shatter-resistant
Cons:
- Overheating issue
- Only a 3-year warranty
- Expensive
Inkbird Wifi C929A
Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $45
This is one of the few Inkbird products made specifically for aquariums and, as such, it has some cool features. Of course, you have your normal high and low temp alerts, but you also have an alert for the heater run time. It also comes with probes that are – YAY! – made for aquariums and two of them for redundancy. Additionally, it has app notifications and a double relay on a single plug, also for redundancy.
Pros:
- Redundant in the best way
- Specifically made for aquariums
- Two probes/two relays/heater run time alert
Cons:
- Temp reportedly swings 0.7F
Stocking
Stocking dwarf gouramis is an art. On one hand, having multiple males with females around is what brings on the most intense colors as they show off to try to get the attention of a mate.
On the other hand… they’ll be going after each other fairly regularly and you may need to have a backup tank in case it gets out of hand.
A pair works fine if they’re opposite sexes, but it’s not ideal if you have only males. They’ll fight and one will likely die as a result of the stress. As with most semi-aggressive critters, five or more is always the best option if you want to mix sexes.
An all-female crew works well too, but female gouramis lack the color punch that males offer. But, again, having only one gourami isn’t ideal. They’re social creatures and, as much as they may not act like it at times, they do want to be around their own kind.
Decor
If you’re going for more naturalistic setup, you might want to include things like driftwood, leaf litter, or seed pods – not unlike a betta setup. Since dwarf gouramis naturally come from blackwater habitats, they’ll appreciate the tannins.
They also appreciate as many hiding places as you can offer. Whether that’s a Spongebob pineapple or a lush jungle of real plants, hiding places are needed. Regardless of what you offer them, you’ll see them more often if there are more hiding spots.
Best Plants For Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf gouramis enjoy well-planted aquariums and feel much more comfortable with surface vegetation, such as floating plants. Floating vegetation also gives them something to build their nest under if you’re trying to breed them.
But if floating plants aren’t your cup of tea – roots dangling into the water and bushy ground plants work well. Here are some of my favorite suggestions for dwarf gouramis:
Salvinia
Salvinia is a fast-growing plant good for keeping ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites under control. It’s great for providing shelter for scared fish and fry, keeping the lighting intensity down. and making skittish fish feel more secure.
Dwarf Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea stellata)
There are a few lilies that are called “dwarf aquarium lilies,” but Nymphaea stellata is probably the easiest to take care of. It usually comes from a bulb that quickly sprouts huge leaves. In a short time, it’ll grow to the top of your tank and block out most of your light. This is great for fish that need cover, but if you need to get light to your other pants, it can be trimmed as well.
Pennywort sp.
There are quite a few species of pennywort, but most have similar care requirements and grow quickly. Because they can be grown in or out of the water, in a variety of ways, and in a wide range of conditions, this makes them a super adaptable aquarium plant. They also make exceptional plants for summer tubs!
Sweet Potato
It’s hard to describe just how magnificent these root structures look once they get going, but you really can’t ask for a better or cheaper aquarium plant for keeping the water clean. Especially since you can pick it up on your next grocery shopping trip.
Bacopa sp.
Bacopa comes in a variety of species and variants – some more demanding than others – but the least demanding is Bacopa carolinia. It is banned in a few states because of its invasive species status, but it makes a wonderful addition to most aquariums if you can get it.
Vallisneria
Vals come in a ton of varieties, but most of them are about the same to grow. They can grow rapidly, and quickly cover your tank with lush, kelp-like forests for your fish. Some species, however, do grow much shorter than others.
Anubias (Anubias barteri)
The anubias barteri species has over 13 variants that call it home – so if you think you’ve seen them all, your probably wrong. They range in size, color, and shape, and are nearly guaranteed to be bulletproof. They don’t experience melt as often as most other immerse-grown aquarium plants and do well in low-tech setups – even with plant-munching fish.
Java Moss
Java moss is an almost bulletproof plant that requires almost no care. It doesn’t grow nearly as slowly as it’s java fern cousin, and can create lush moss beds that blow and billow in the current. They’re a great option for grazers, fry, or those of you with the blackest of thumbs.
Of course, this isn’t a complete list and if you didn’t see anything that looks tempting, look for floating plants or plants that grow well in lower light conditions.
Lighting & Filtration
These dwarves don’t do well with fast-flowing waters, so a slowly bubbling sponge filter is probably your best bet. This means you’ll also want an air pump if you don’t have one. Some of my tried and true suggestions are below.
They also prefer dimly lit tanks. You can subdue the lighting by purchasing an adjustable light or including floating plants such as hornwort, red root floaters, salvinia, duckweed, or another floating plant.
Suggested lighting & filtration
Fluval Plant 3.0 Light
Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $150 – $210 *size dependent
Par: 45 at 24″
I love this light. It’s expensive, so prepare for a sticker shock, but it’s totally worth every penny of the price tag. It’s a fully customizable, automatic, and adjustable light that I can’t get enough of. Plus, it doesn’t have a remote, it’s controlled by your phone, so it fixes all the issues that the Finnex 24/7 had.
You know, like the remote not working six months after you bought it kind of thing.
Finnex Stingray 2
Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $35 – $73 *size dependent
Par: 60 at 24″
The second iteration of the stingray is much better than the first – which was still pretty great – and they kept the same super sleek design while pumping up the power. Not to mention it’s super affordable!
Finnex Planted+ 24/7
Rating: 4.7 stars
Price: $67 – $106 *size dependent
Par: 58 at 24″
My one issue – everyone’s issue, really – is that the remote gives out. If you don’t care about being able to control it, it’s a great light. If you’re excited about it being “fully” customizable (it’s not compared to the Fluval 3.0,) then this probably isn’t the light for you.
Hikari sponge filter
Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $7 – $12 *size dependent
Theses things have been around forever, and it’s because people love them. Most of the people who leave bad reviews on them are upset that they didn’t know they needed an air pump or hose and the directions suck – because there are none – which is fair enough.
Otherwise, I’ve heard complaints about these filters very rarely.
These Filters
Rating: 4.4 stars
Price: $5 – $7
I want to give you a name for these, really, I do. But the problem is that they change the name of these things every few weeks – which is insane and annoying.
Nonetheless, these name-swapping off-brand filters are super cheap and work amazingly.
Ziss Bubble Filter
Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $25
Though not a sponge filter, this is a great filter that works well for tanks that need low flow. Cleaning them is slightly more involved, but they do make less of a mess coming out of the tank than normal sponge filters. They are, like HMFs, hard to find in the states and I’m not sure how long they’ll be at the place linked. (Great place to buy plants, by the way.)
Tetra Whisper Air Pump
Rating: 4.4 stars
Price: $5 – $24 *size dependent
These air pumps are super quiet and last forever – plus the price isn’t bad. I will say I haven’t been able to find them this cheap in person though.
Water Care
While many sources suggest the use of peat moss to soften your water, this is not an economical or environmentally-friendly option. There are many other ways to soften your water, such as including leaf litter or driftwood. You could also invest in an R.O. unit if your water is really that bad, but I doubt you’ll need to since they go up to a pH of 7.5.
With that said, dwarf gouramis are susceptible to more diseases than the average fish and you’ll want to stock up on your fish’s medicine cabinet if you can. I’ve included some basic meds and water care supplies below if you’re unsure where to start.
Suggested water care & meds
Dechlorinator
My all time favorite is Prime, but it is on the expensive side. It can be a serious life saver in an emergency situation though, which is why I keep it handy. If you’re not into the price, I also use Stress Coat and API’s Tap Water Condition and they work just as well for most situations. If you have issues with your tap containing ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate, I highly suggest Prime.
Aquarium Salt
Rating: 4.9 stars
Price: $3 – $7 *size dependent
I’ve never noticed a major difference between one aquarium salt to another, to be honest, but I use API Aquarium Salt because it’s the most readily available. Aquarium salt is useful for a wide variety of situations and I always suggest you keep this on hand – especially if you’re skeptical of using medications.
API General Cure
Rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $20 for 20 packets
This stuff works great for a wide variety of illnesses you’ll encounter. If you’re going to buy it, you’ll want to buy more than one pack though.
Ich-X
Rating: 4.6 stars
Price: $16
Maracyn-2
Rating: 4.4 stars
Price: $14 for 24 packets
Maracyn-2 is the same thing as API’s Erythromycin. It works just as well as API’s on most fungal and some bacterial infections. This includes things like body fungus, cotton mouth, some cases of bacterial-related dropsy, and fin and body rot – but it works on tons of other oddball illnesses as well.
Potassium Salt (PP)
Rating: 4.4 stars
Price: $5 – $24 *size dependent
This stuff is a little hard to find and, I’ll be honest, I’ve never used it. Which I find to be fortunate because this stuff sounds like it’s no joke. Here’s what I found on Ultraclear’s website: “… effective against external fish infections from fungi, bacteria & parasites, Trichodinia, Costia, Chilodonella & Flukes. It is also an effective solution for improving water quality & clarity by clearing cloudy water of organics. The Potassium Permanganate Solution is a strong oxidizer.”
Feeding
In reality, they’re not picky and will take to anything you feed them as long as it floats. Dwarf gouramis generally eat from the surface of the water, and there are few and far between reports of them taking to gel food like Repashy or other foods that sink.
In nature, dwarf gouramis are insectivores. They prey on small insects, larva, and small crustacea. They are also known to eat algae growth on plants as well as aquarium plants.
In captivity, they’ll gladly take to flake, freeze-dried, and frozen fare, as well as vegetable or algae wafers and pellets. Although they will love you if you can offer them live food. Blackworms, white worms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larva, and wingless fruit flies are some of their favorite dishes.
Dwarf Gourami Diseases
Unfortunately, like neon tetras, dwarf gouramis are synonymous with dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGI or DGIV) and dwarf gourami disease (DGD.) Once thought to be a bacterial infection, it now appears that DGI is a direct result of farm-bred individuals. It’s also been shown to transfer to other species sharing the same water – even if it’s not a fellow gourami.
A similar disease is dwarf gourami disease, also known as DGD. This disease, however, is unique to dwarf gouramis but acts similarly to DGIV in most ways.
Many pet stores have decided to stop carrying these fish since it’s difficult to obtain disease-free stock. Most of these stores have experienced high losses in their dwarf shipments, and some studies reveal that as much as 22% of all dwarf gouramis coming out of Singapore carry DGIV.
Aside from these diseases, there are few and far between illnesses that hobbyists report so, by most standards, these guys are hardy fish. Keeping DGIV and DGD in mind, it’s important to inspect the fish thoroughly before you buy them. You’ll want to make sure they’re bright, active, eating well, and have no signs of clamped fins, lethargy, dark patches, spotty coloration, deterioration of muscle, bumpiness, or anything else that looks questionable.
Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV)
DGIV, or to some DGI, is currently incurable, 100% fatal, and can be spread to other tank inhabitants – dwarf gourami or otherwise. It’s best to quarantine to fish to prevent spreading and wait it out. If it seems to be suffering it may be worth considering euthanasia.
Symptoms:
- Loss of color
- Loss of skin or scales
- Discoloration
- Lesions on the body
- Abdominal swelling
Causes:
- Not fully understood
- Can be transmitted
Dwarf Gourami Disease (DGD)
Dwarf gourami disease is something that’s not fully understood, but unlike DGIV, only dwarf gouramis can get it. There are no known cures and very few reports of afflicted gouramis recovering.
Symptoms:
- Loss of color
- Loss of appetite
- Discoloration
- Loss of skin, scales, and fins
- Muscle deterioration
- Lumps
- Abdominal swelling
Causes:
- Not fully understood
- Only dwarf gouramis can contract
Bloat
Bloat certainly doesn’t have to be as severe as the picture, but you get the idea. Bloating is an accumulation of gas, fluids, or unpassed food present in the fish. Although I have no proof, I suspect this is why most people search “how to tell if [insert fish species] is pregnant” even if they can’t get pregnant. There is a difference between a bloated fish and a fish that’s eaten too much – the fish that ate too much will act normal whereas the other usually won’t.
Symptoms:
- Your fish’s stomach is distended without raised scales
- Fish may appear to be in some sort of discomfort and avoid swimming or other usual activities
- May not be pooping
Causes:
- Intestinal blockage
- Constipation
- Internal bacterial infection
- Internal growths/tumors
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Ich is caused by a parasite that, to many, looks like tiny white pimples across the fish. It can attach to the mouth, fins, body, and gills. You can usually see fish scraping themselves against objects (likely because parasites are itchy!) before white spots even appear.
Symptoms:
- White spots
- Scratching
- Redness or bloody streaks
Causes:
- Ichthyophthirius multifilis (parasite)
Dwarf Gourami Tank Mates
Due to DGIV and the ability to be transferred to other tank inhabitants, I don’t advise other tank mates unless they’re fellow dwarf gouramis. There’s a good chance that by exposing them regularly to other species, we could see a cascade effect with this disease. Not only are these fish somewhat shy, need groups, and are territorial, but they’re also a dangerous tank mate for most other species of fish.
They’re also not compatible with other anabantoids or flashy species such as guppies. Showy species can cause male dwarf gouramis to become aggressive. Even larger or a more vigorous tank mates can worsen the situation – this time in favor of the dwarf gourami getting beaten up.
If you insist on keeping them with other species, then you should be wary of flashy fish, fish that nip, slow fish, food hogs, and semi-aggressive and aggressive species.
Corydora (Corydora sp.)
While each species will vary slightly, all require smooth substrates or bare bottom and do best when they’re kept in groups of at least six or more.
Some larger options would be better here, anywhere from 2.5″ (6.5 cm) and up. Good candidates would include bronze, emerald, Sterbai’s, and peppered cories.
pH: 5.5 – 7.0 – species dependent
dKH: 3 – 10
Temp: 72 – 80 F (22 – 26 C) – species dependent
Size: 1 – 3.5″ (2.5 – 9 cm) – species dependent
Temperament: Peaceful, can be boisterous for less active species
Swimming: Bottom (most) in a shoal of 6 or more
Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
Harlequins are a shoaling species that prefer friend groups of six or more. They’re not known to be nippy fish and are quite peaceful as long as they’re provided plants, space to swim, and the company of their own kind.
pH: 5 – 7.5
dKH: 1 – 12
Temp: 70 to 83 F (21 to 28 C)
Size: 2″ (5 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming: Mid to top-water shoaling
Lambchop Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei)
You can think of the lambchop as a smaller cousin to the harlequin rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) they look and act similarly and their care requirements are about the same. These guys are just a bit smaller with slightly different coloring.
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
dKH: 1 – 10
Temp: 74 – 83F (24 – 28C)
Size: 1.2″ (1 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful shoaling fish
Swimming: Mid to top
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Neos enjoy munching on decomposing plant matter, grazing on algae, and picking sunken pieces of wood and plants clean. This makes them a perfect addition to a naturalistic tank. They come in a variety of colors including the oh-so-common cherry shrimp!
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
dKH: 8 – 20
Temp: 70 – 79 F (21 – 26 C)
Size: 1.6″ (4 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming: Anywhere there’s food to pick, but usually bottom
Pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.)
Pencilfish is a genus containing 19 currently recognized species. Some popular options are diptails, Beckford’s, and coral. Although it’s a large genus, the care is similar for all of them and you should aim for a shoal of at least six.
Research into a specific species and their requirements is strongly recommended.
pH: 5.0 – 7.0
dKH: 4 – 12
Temp: 74 – 82F (23 – 27C)
Size: 2″ (5 cm) species dependent
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming: Mid to top
Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya)
Cherry barbs are small and peaceful. They’re undemanding and pack a colorful punch when cared for correctly, making them an ideal community inhabitant. They’re shoalers, so they need to be kept in groups of 6 or more to bring out their best behavior.
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
dKH: 2 – 20
Temp: 68 – 81 F (20 – 26 C)
Size: 1.5 – 2″ (4 – 5 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Swimming: Top to midwater shoaling
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
Not to be confused with the black tetra (or “black skirt” tetras) or neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi,) the black neon tetra is a separate species. They do best in groups of eight or more – but more is always better when it comes to shoaling fish. They have the peaceful demeanor of the neon tetra without all the health issues.
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
dKH: 4 – 9
Temp: 73 – 81F (23 – 27C)
Size: 1.5″ (3 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful shoaling fish
Swimming: Mid to top
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Ember tetras are bright, fun, tiny, shoaling fish that occur in South American black waters. They’re hardy, peaceful fish that are often described as active, bold, and playful. They also enjoy a planted tank, but be mindful that they do like to swim in open space, so be sure to include that in your layout. They enjoy their numbers a little higher than most shoaling species, 8 is recommended.
pH: 5.5 – 7
dKH: 1 – 10
Temp: 68 – 82 F (20 – 27 C)
Size: 3/4″ (2 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Swimming: Top to midwater shoaling
Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii)
Kuhli loaches are easy to keep, but they need food that hits the bottom of the tank. If you have the chance, hiding food under the sand is a great way to see their natural behavior and it’s fun to watch them root around for scraps. They like to be kept in groups where you’ll often see them curled up under structures together.
pH: 3.0 – 7.0
dKH: 1 – 8
Temp: 70 – 79 F (21 – 26 C)
Size: 1.3″ (3 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful, can be shy
Swimming: Bottom
Amano Shrimp (Caridina Multidentata)
Most amano shrimp are wild-caught, so you’ll want to make sure you quarantine them properly before adding them to your tank, but they make peaceful and entertaining algae control crew. They’ll be at their best if they’re kept in groups of six or more.
pH: 6.5 – 7.9
dKH: 1 – 6
Temp: 65 – 76 F (18 – 24 C)
Size: 3″+ (7.5+ cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Swimming: Bottom & structured surfaces
Breeding Dwarf Gouramis
Spawning dwarf gouramis is easy and similar to spawning bettas. If you enjoy watching bettas spawn, but don’t want to do with the aggression – dwarf gouramis might be the spawning project for you!
Start with a 10-gallon tank with the water level around 6″ to 8″ deep. A slowly bubbling sponge filter will go a long way in improving water quality, as will plants such as hornwort, guppy grass, or floating plants. Using floating plants – or any floating material – is essential for encouraging gouramis to build a bubble nest. Without this overhead cover, the nest will likely fall apart – if it’s built at all. Bare bottom isn’t entirely necessary since the eggs float, but it goes a long way in keeping up on water quality so it’s generally recommended. But it’s not the end of the world if it’s not bare bottom.
Once the nest has been built the male will begin by swimming around the female with flared fins, coaxing her to inspect his nest. He’ll continue his courting display, showing off his colors and his strength to the female in an attempt to convince her that he’s a worthy mate.
Once the female is convinced he’s a suitable mate and his nest is good enough, she’ll swim in circles with the male under the nest. The female will touch the male’s tail or back with her mouth, which signals to the male that she’s ready. He’ll embrace her and turn her on her side. At this point, the female will release anywhere from 12 to 60 eggs which the male immediately fertilizes upon release.
Most of the eggs will float into the bubble nest, and the male collects any eggs that sink and places them in the nest. The pair will continue this ritual until the female has no more eggs to release. Usually, this goes on for a few hours, and anywhere from 300 – 600 eggs will be laid in this timeframe. If more than one female is in the breeding tank, the male may spawn with other available females if they’re interested. But he usually won’t pursue further spawnings heavily at this point.
There are plenty of theories that indicate fish release hormones when they are spawning that encourage other fish around them to spawn.
This theory holds especially true for angelfish breeders, who will take water from a tank with a recent spawn and dump it into another tank to try to induce other spawns. It’s likely these hormones play a role in the females becoming receptive after the first female has spawned. Once the pair is done spawning, the male will take full responsibility for the eggs.
Some say that the female should be removed after spawning, lest they consume the fry or eggs or evoke the aggression of the male. Although in a large, densely planted aquarium, this might not be necessary.
The eggs usually hatch anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, dependent on water temperature. After three more days (day four or five after the eggs were laid), the fry will begin swimming on their own. At this point, it’s suggested the male be removed, so he doesn’t eat his young.
This notion is only somewhat true; the male should be removed to lessen the probability that he may decide to snack on his offspring.
Many first-time parents, of any species, need to learn the ropes – and most first-time fish parents eat their offspring. We’re not entirely sure why, but it seems like some fish may just “snap” under pressure and decide parenthood isn’t for them just yet. However, if you give them a few tries, say three or four spawns, before you dub them a “fry eater” you’ll find that most are quite good parents.
Once free-swimming, the fry can be fed micro foods such as infusoria, microworms, or vinegar eels. It’s not until they’re about two weeks old that they will be able to consume baby brine shrimp easily. Maybe earlier depending on your water parameters.
It’s worth noting that in a community set up dwarf gourami spawning behavior can become aggressive towards other fish in the tank.
In this situation, it’s best to remove the pair that’s attempting to spawn in a community tank to a breeding tank or remove the other fish from the community tank. Although dwarf gourami aggression is usually benign, it still stresses all inhabitants and should be avoided.
Types Of Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf gouramis have been bred to come in several color morphs that are nothing short of dazzling. The care is identical regardless of color morph – with one exception that I’ll get into in a second.
Blue Dwarf Gourami
Blue dwarf gouramis have bright blue colors with thin red to brownish lines across their body and fins. This variant is a more “modest” version of dwarf gourami coloration. The females tend to be a less-than-dazzling dishwater greyish silver color. The lines are the females are visible, but they’re more subdued as well – they usually look more like 90’s-style hair highlights.
Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami
Neon blue dwarf gouramis take the coloration of the blue variant and pump it up to the nth degree. These fish would not look out of place in a reef tank and are arguably the most popular variant. However, the females of this variety tend to be just as drab as those of the blue coloration.
Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami
Powder blue dwarf gouramis have minimal or no lines on them and are a, well, powdery blue. The females of this variety look just as striking as the males do, which makes them a fantastic option for people who don’t want male gouramis. The females are less punchy blue and a little more silvery blue, but they’re just as pretty as their male counterparts (I think.)
Flame Dwarf Gourami
Flame gourmais have a red to orange gradation across their body, leading into a blue head and fins. The females of this variety tend to be drab looking, like many other variations of gouramis.
Honey Dwarf Gourami
The “Honey Dwarf Gourami” (Trichopodus chuna), is a different species – not color morph. But, since it also goes by the name “Dwarf gourami,” most people confuse it as a color morph. Their care requirements, temperament, and breeding habits are almost identical.
Further Reading & Resources
PFK – Let’s hear it for the Dwarf gourami!
IUCN – Trichogaster lalius
NCIB – Detection of dwarf gourami iridovirus (Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus) in populations of ornamental fish prior to and after importation into Australia, with the first evidence of infection in domestically farmed Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus).