Edit Trichogaster lalius
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Trichogaster lalius
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Osphronemidae
Summary
The dwarf gourami, Trichogaster lalius, is a labyrinth fish from Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh. All the fish in the trade are mas…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
88mm, standard length
Tank size
Not recorded
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 22–27°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
2–18dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries
Not recorded
Supporting text
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Widely distributed through Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh. Apparent occurences in Nepal and Myanmar are now thought to be as a result of misidentifica…
Habitat
Predominantly inhabits sluggish, heavily-vegetated environments including ponds, swamps, ditches, streams and irrigation canals.
Aquarium size
A 24" x 12" x 12" (60cm x 30cm x 30cm) - 56 litre tank is just about big enough for a pair provided it is set up correctly (see section below).
Maintenance
Like most Anabantoids, dwarf gouramis do not appreciate fast-moving or turbulent water. Try to keep flow to a minimum in any set-up containing them. They do be…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 27 °C72 – 81 °F pH: Wild fish tend to inhabit environments containing soft, acidic water. The tank-bred fish are more adaptable and can norma…
Diet
Thought to be omnivorous in nature, feeding on small invertebrates, algae and other aufwuchs. It accepts most foods offered in the aquarium, and a good quality…
Behaviour and compatibility
The dwarf gourami comes with a reserved recommendation for the community tank, not least because of associated health issues (see notes below). It can certainl…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are a little larger and much more colourful than the plainer, silvery females. They also develop extended dorsal and anal fins as they mature which the f…
Reproduction
Like many anabantoids, it's a bubble-nesting species. Breeding is not too difficult, although the males can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of behaviour. Yo…
Notes
The Dwarf Gourami is one of the most ubiquitous freshwater species in the aquarium hobby, and is unarguably a beautiful fish. Several colour forms have been li…
References
References
No references