Pearl Gourami Care Guide: Size, Behavior, and Tank Setup
The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is one of the most beautiful freshwater fish you can add to a peaceful community tank. With its shimmering pearl-like spots, long fins, and calm personality, it’s a favorite among aquarists who want something elegant and low-maintenance. This care guide covers everything you need to know — from ideal tank setup and feeding habits to behavior, tank mates, and health tips.
What Is a Pearl Gourami?
Pearl Gouramis are native to Southeast Asia, found in slow-moving waters in Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo. They thrive in warm, slightly acidic waters with lots of vegetation and surface plants. Their name comes from the pearly white spots that cover their entire body, giving them a sparkling appearance under aquarium lights.
They belong to the labyrinth fish family, meaning they can breathe atmospheric air — a useful trait in low-oxygen waters.
Quick Profile
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Trichopodus leerii |
| Size | 4–5 inches |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years |
| Tank Size | 30 gallons minimum |
| Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, social |
Ideal Tank Setup for Pearl Gouramis
Pearl Gouramis enjoy tanks with gentle flow and lots of cover. Live plants, especially floating types, help mimic their natural habitat and make them feel secure. They prefer the mid-to-top levels of the tank, often gliding gracefully through leaves and driftwood.
Tank Setup Tips:
- Tank size: Minimum 30 gallons for a pair or trio
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
- Plants: Java fern, Amazon swords, Anubias, hornwort, and duckweed
- Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and caves for hiding
- Lighting: Moderate (not too bright)
- Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle flow HOB filter
Make sure the tank is covered — while they aren’t frequent jumpers, they can leap if startled.
Feeding Your Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are omnivores and not fussy eaters. In the wild, they consume insects, larvae, and plant matter. In aquariums, they thrive on a mix of dry, frozen, and live foods.
Best Foods:
- High-quality flakes or pellets
- Frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp
- Live daphnia or mosquito larvae
- Blanched veggies like spinach or zucchini
Feeding frequency: 1–2 times daily. They tend to feed calmly, so avoid housing them with aggressive eaters.
Pearl Gourami Behavior & Temperament
Pearl Gouramis are peaceful and social, making them excellent additions to community tanks. Males can become a bit territorial during breeding, but they rarely act aggressively.
You’ll usually see them swimming slowly in the mid to upper levels or hanging out near floating plants. They also use their long ventral fins to “feel” their environment, which is a charming behavior to watch.
Best Tank Mates for Pearl Gouramis
Pearl Gouramis get along well with most non-aggressive species. Avoid fin-nippers or fast swimmers that might stress them out.
Compatible Tank Mates:
Avoid:
- Tiger Barbs
- Bettas
- Large cichlids
Breeding Pearl Gouramis
Males build bubble nests at the surface when they’re ready to breed. You’ll see courtship behavior like flaring fins and gentle nudging.
Breeding Tips:
- Use a separate breeding tank (20–30 gallons)
- Increase water temperature to ~80°F
- Add floating plants or plastic breeding rafts
- Condition the pair with high-protein foods
- Remove the female after spawning; the male will guard the nest
Eggs hatch in about 1–2 days. Once fry become free-swimming, remove the male to prevent them from being eaten.
Health Tips for Pearl Gouramis
Pearl Gouramis are generally hardy but sensitive to poor water conditions and aggressive tank mates.
Watch For:
- Fin rot (caused by stress or poor water)
- Ich (white spots)
- Loss of appetite or dull color (often due to bullying)
Keep your water clean, provide hiding spaces, and avoid overcrowding to reduce stress.
FAQs
Are Pearl Gouramis easy to keep?
Yes. They’re hardy, peaceful, and great for beginner-to-intermediate aquarists.
Do Pearl Gouramis need a heater?
Yes, they’re tropical fish and prefer temperatures around 75–82°F.
Can I keep multiple Pearl Gouramis?
Yes, a trio (1 male, 2 females) works well in a planted 30-gallon or larger tank.
Are they aggressive?
They’re typically peaceful but may become mildly territorial when breeding.
Do Pearl Gouramis need floating plants?
They do better with floating plants as it mimics their natural habitat and supports bubble nesting.
