Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Pearl Gourami is native to swamps in Thailand, Malaysia, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. One of the most peaceful and popular gouramis, mature male Pearl gouramis will have a stunning orange-red color in their throat and more pronounced dorsal and anal fins, while females will be drabber. In both sexes, Pearl gouramis are decorated with many small white dots and a dark line that runs through the middle of their body. Gouramis are Labyrinth fish, which means that they can directly breathe from the surface. An adult Pearl gourami can reach a size of approximately 4.5 – 5″. All Pearl gouramis available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Pearl gouramis are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Pearl gourami. A small group will require a larger aquarium. Pearl gouramis should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are intolerable of nitrite and ammonia. The aquarium can be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood to provide ample hiding places, but vegetation (preferably live) should be on the denser side. Gouramis would also benefit from some floating plants to provide areas of shade. Without sufficient hiding places and shade, this species can be extremely shy and more withdrawn. Multiple male Pearl gouramis can be kept together, but may sometimes quarrel and males can also be hard on females during breeding. A larger aquarium, and providing sufficient hiding places, helps to deter both of these behaviors. Avoid other Labyrinth fish, including Bettas, and long-finned fish that are slow-moving, such as guppies. Compatability with other gourami species is likely so long as the other species selected are not obnoxious. Mixing gouramis is best attempted in very large aquariums that can accommodate them all. Pearl gouramis would thrive best in a community-type aquarium that does not have overly competitive or aggressive tank mates. Tetras, rasboras, certain barbs and more peaceful cichlids are all good options. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 4-30, pH 5.0-8.0.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1-3/4” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
