Pearl gourami
Trichopodus leerii
easy careOverview
The pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is one of the most elegant labyrinth fish — a pearlescent, lace-patterned body with fine trailing feelers and, on males, a warm orange breast. Despite its size it is remarkably peaceful and calm, making it a graceful centrepiece for a larger community tank. Hardy and long-lived, it is an easy fish provided it has the room and the gentle conditions it prefers.
Tank & water
A larger, planted tank with a calm surface suits the pearl gourami best — at least 110 litres (30 gallons).
- Temperature: hold 24–28 °C with a reliable heater.
- Filtration & flow: a gentle filter is important; as a labyrinth fish it breathes at the surface, so keep flow soft and leave an air gap under the lid.
- Water: pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard, stable and clean.
- Planting: tall plants, floating cover and subdued light bring out the pearly sheen.
Feeding
Pearl gouramis are omnivores. Feed a quality flake, pellet or gourami food once or twice a day, with frozen or freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp for variety. They relish small live foods and will even pick at hydra and small pests. A little vegetable matter rounds out the diet — see best fish food.
Tankmates
Peaceful and unflappable, pearl gouramis mix well with a wide range of calm to moderately active community fish: tetras, rasboras, larger barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras and peaceful catfish. Avoid fin-nippers that target their long feelers, and very aggressive fish.
Common care notes
- Provide a larger tank with height and calm surface
- Keep flow gentle and leave a surface air gap
- Avoid fin-nippers that target the trailing feelers
- Use subdued light and cover to show the pearly sheen
Calm, elegant and long-lived, the pearl gourami is one of the finest centrepiece fish for a peaceful, planted community.
Pearl gourami — frequently asked questions
How big do pearl gouramis get?
Around 11–12 cm, making them one of the larger community gouramis. They need a roomy tank of at least 110 litres, with height and calm surface water for their trailing pelvic feelers and air-breathing.
Are pearl gouramis peaceful?
Yes, notably so for their size. They are among the calmest larger gouramis and rarely bother tankmates. Males can show mild territoriality during spawning, but a planted tank with space keeps things peaceful.
Do pearl gouramis need a lid?
Yes. As labyrinth fish they breathe air at the surface, so a lid with a small air gap is ideal — it keeps the room-to-water air warm and humid and stops jumps, while a gentle surface lets them breathe comfortably.
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