Moonlight Gourami Guide: Tank Size, Lighting, and Mates

Moonlight Gouramis are gentle, glowing freshwater fish that bring a calm, peaceful presence to any aquarium. Their silvery-blue bodies shimmer under soft lighting, making them a favorite for planted tanks and community setups. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, these fish are a beautiful and low-maintenance choice.

This guide covers everything you need in one place—tank size, lighting, behavior, tank mates, feeding tips, and even breeding advice—so you can give your Moonlight Gourami the best care possible.

Moonlight Gourami Overview

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus microlepis
  
• Adult Size: Up to 5–6 inches
  
• Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
  
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy
  
• Tank Level: Mid to top
  
• Native Habitat: Calm, slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia
  

Why People Love Them

Moonlight Gouramis are easygoing, adapt well to various setups, and pair nicely with many other peaceful species. Their graceful swimming and soft glow give them an almost magical presence. They’re also great for planted aquariums and look especially striking under soft or blue-tinted lighting.

Ideal Tank Setup

Minimum Tank Size

A single Moonlight Gourami needs at least a 30-gallon tank. If you want to keep a small group (which they prefer), aim for 40–50 gallons or more. These fish like room to swim horizontally, and a wider tank works better than a tall one.

Also, always use a lid—Moonlight Gouramis are known to jump, especially when startled.

Substrate and Decor

They feel safest with natural décor. Choose a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, and add:

• Tall background plants like Amazon Sword or Vallisneria
  
• Floating plants like Amazon Frogbit to dim lighting
  
• Driftwood or smooth stones to mimic their natural environment
  
• Open mid-top areas for swimming
  

For more inspiration, visit our Aquascaping Guide.

Filtration and Flow

Moonlight Gouramis come from calm waters, so avoid strong currents. Use:

• A sponge filter for gentle flow
  
• An adjustable canister or HOB filter on a low setting
  
• Stable, clean water without too much disturbance
  

Water Parameters and Lighting

Ideal Water Conditions

Parameter	Range
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	6.0–7.5
Hardness	5–15 dGH

Keep conditions steady—sudden swings in temperature or pH can stress your Gourami.

Perform weekly 25–30% water changes, and always treat tap water with a dechlorinator. Test your water regularly to catch issues early.

Lighting Needs

Moonlight Gouramis don’t like harsh or bright lights. Their shimmering scales reflect soft light beautifully.

• Use low to moderate LED lighting with a dimmer function if possible
  
• Add floating plants like Water Lettuce or Amazon Frogbit to diffuse light
  
• Avoid spotlight-style LEDs—it may stress them out
  
• Simulate a gentle day-night cycle with 6–8 hours of light per day

Feeding Your Moonlight Gourami

What They Eat

In the wild, they feed on small insects, larvae, and plankton. In home tanks, they’re not picky and do well on a mixed diet.

Feed them:

• High-quality pellets or flakes made for tropical fish
  
• Frozen or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia
  
• Occasional live treats if you want to keep them stimulated
  

Feeding Schedule

• Feed twice a day, offering just what they can eat in 2–3 minutes
  
• Remove leftover food to maintain water quality
  
• Rotate food types for balanced nutrition

Best Tank Mates for Moonlight Gouramis

Moonlight Gouramis are peaceful and shy—so it’s best to pair them with calm, non-aggressive tank mates.

Good Tank Mates

• Corydoras Catfish – Peaceful bottom dwellers
  
• Harlequin Rasboras – Small, calm mid-level swimmers
  
• Platies and Mollies – Colorful and easygoing
  
• Pearl Gouramis – Similar temperament
  
• Cherry or Amano Shrimp – If well established and not too tiny
  

Visit Community Fish Guide to discover more.

Tank Mates to Avoid

• Fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetras
  
• Aggressive cichlids (like Jack Dempseys)
  
• Hyperactive or overly curious fish
  
• Tiny nano fish that might be mistaken for food
  

Can You Keep Multiple Moonlight Gouramis Together?

Yes, but give them space.

• One male + two females is best if you want a group
  
• Avoid multiple males unless your tank is very large (50+ gallons)
  
• Watch for territorial behavior during feeding or breeding season

Behavior and Temperament

Moonlight Gouramis are calm but can be a little shy. They prefer quiet tanks with lots of plant cover and soft lighting. They’re not aggressive but may flare or posture during feeding or spawning.

Bubble Nesting

Like other gouramis, the males build bubble nests at the water surface. You might see this behavior even without a female present.

• During spawning, males become more active and territorial
  
• If breeding, provide floating plants to support the nest
  
• After spawning, males guard the nest—so separate the female if needed

Breeding Moonlight Gouramis

Signs of Breeding

• Male builds a large bubble nest
  
• Color may intensify slightly
  
• He will start displaying and leading the female to the nest
  

Breeding Tips

• Set up a separate breeding tank (20–30 gallons)
  
• Raise temperature to 82–84°F
  
• Add floating plants or a floating breeding mat
  
• After spawning, remove the female
  
• The male will tend the eggs

Fry Care

• Eggs hatch in 30–36 hours
  
• Feed infusoria or commercial liquid fry food at first
  
• Transition to baby brine shrimp after a few days
  
• Frequent small water changes help growth and survival

Common Health Issues

Moonlight Gouramis are hardy, but poor water quality or stress can make them sick.

What to Watch For

• White spots (Ich)
  
• Clamped fins or sluggish behavior
  
• Bloating or swim problems
  
• Loss of appetite
  

Prevention Tips

• Quarantine new fish before adding
  
• Keep tank conditions stable
  
• Don’t overfeed or overcrowd
  
• Clean your filter and do regular water changes
  
• Observe your fish daily for early signs of illness
  

Need help with fish quarantine? Read: Quarantine Tank Setup Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Moonlight Gouramis beginner-friendly?

Yes. They’re peaceful, adaptable, and do well in community tanks with proper care.

Do they need a heater?

Yes, they’re tropical fish and thrive in warm water. Use a heater to maintain 75–82°F.

Can Moonlight Gouramis live with shrimp?

Amano and Cherry Shrimp can be safe if your tank is mature. Avoid tiny baby shrimp—they may get eaten.

How many Moonlight Gouramis can I keep together?

You can keep 1 male and 2 females in a 40+ gallon tank. Avoid multiple males unless you have plenty of space.

Do Moonlight Gouramis breathe air?

Yes. They’re labyrinth fish, which means they can breathe surface air. That’s why a calm water surface is important.