Dwarf Gourami

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Scientific Name

Colisa lalia

Min. Tank Size

20 gallons

Personality

Peaceful and shy

Temperature

72-82°F

pH

6.0-7.5/2-18°dGH

Size

2"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Well suited to a community tank; Livebearers, Cyprinids, Characins, Corydoras Catfish and Loaches.

Dwarf Gourami

The Dwarf Gourami is a colorful species, characterized by a translucent blue body marked with vertical red or dark orange stripes. Females of the species are usually less vibrant and may appear silver in coloration. There are several color morphs of this species available as well, including the Blue, Neon and Sunset Dwarf Gouramis. These fish are native to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where they can be found in slow-moving streams and lakes that are heavy with vegetation. As implied by its name, the Dwarf Gourami remains fairly small. Unfortunately, around 20% of Dwarf Gouramis are carriers for a deadly disease called Dwarf Gourami Iridovius (DGIV). This disease is not treatable and often results in the death of infected fishes.

Tank Set-Up

In combination with their small size, the peaceful nature of this species make them excellent residents in small community tanks. Dwarf Gouramis prefer heavily planted tanks with dark substrate and the tank should be kept in a quiet location because these fish can become skittish. Because these fish come from naturally slow-flowing waters, filtration in the home tank should be kept to a minimum. These fish will also appreciate the addition of driftwood branches and leaf litter to the tank to create a more natural appearance.

Feeding

Because Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores, they require a varied diet. Offer these fish a staple diet of algae-based flakes or pellets supplemented with live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and Daphnia. These fish may also enjoy blanched vegetables and freeze-dried foods.

Breeding

Dwarf Gouramis are bubble nesters and are moderately easy to breed in the home aquarium. To encourage spawning, lower the water level in the breeding tank to no more than 6 or 8 inches and slowly increase the temperature to approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the male has assembled a bubble nest, spawning will take place below it in the typical anabantoid embrace during which the eggs and sperm will be released simultaneously. The average brood size of this species is between 300 and 800 and the eggs typically hatch after 12 to 24 hours.