Trichogaster lalius
The dwarf gourami is a colourful Trichogaster from South Asia, widely sold in red, blue, and powder-blue strains. Males are showier; females are smaller and silvery. Males can be territorial with each other—often only one male per tank unless the aquarium is large and heavily planted. They are labyrinth fish and need access to the surface. Buy from reputable sources when possible; mass-produced stock has had disease issues in the trade. Bubble nest breeders; floating plants help nesting behaviour.
Flake or small pellets; frozen brine shrimp or bloodworm; spirulina; feed at surface and mid-water.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Observe new fish closely for health; quarantine when possible.
Native Region: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan (weedy lowland waters)
Slow streams, rice paddies, ponds thick with vegetation.
Planted tank with floating plants; gentle flow; territorial space for males; secure lid.
Activity Level: Moderate
Can chase similar-shaped fish; avoid two males in small tanks; fine with many community species.
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Bubble nest
Sexual Dimorphism: Males with extended dorsal rays and bright colour; females smaller, rounded dorsal, silver base.
Male builds bubble nest; pair conditioning; remove female after eggs if male harasses.
Substrate: Either
Plant Safe: Yes
Line-of-sight breaks reduce squabbles.
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