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fishbeginner
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalia
A shimmering little labyrinth fish in sunset colors — peaceful, personable, and happy in a calm planted tank.
2–3.5 in4–6 years
Habitat
Enclosure
10 gal minimum
Temperature
72–78°F
Humidity / Water
Freshwater · pH 6.5–7.5
Heating & lighting
Gentle heater with a calm, planted tank. They breathe air from the surface, so keep a small gap under the lid.
Diet
Feed these
- Flake food
- Micro pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Blanched peas
Never feed
- Tiger barbs — fin-nipping
- Boisterous, fast-water tanks
- Unhealthy stock (dwarf gourami disease is common)
Feed small pinches twice a day. Buy from a healthy, disease-free source — ask to see the fish eating before you buy.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Neon tetras Harlequin rasboras Corydoras catfish Platies Other dwarf gouramis — one male per tank
Never house with
Betta — two air-breathing show fish clash Other dwarf gouramis — males fight in small tanks Tiger barbs
One male per tank in small setups — males flare at each other constantly. Quiet tank mates only; busy tanks stress them.
