Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius (formerly Colisa lalia)
• Common Names: Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami, Blue Dwarf Gourami
• Type: A selectively bred color morph of the Dwarf Gourami, known for its striking iridescent blue color.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami has an intense metallic blue or electric blue coloration that covers its entire body, including the fins. This is in contrast to the typical Dwarf Gourami, which has red and blue stripes.
• Size: Typically grows to about 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length.
• Fins: Males have long, flowing dorsal and anal fins that may have slight red edging.
• Lifespan: They can live 4-6 years with proper care.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:
  • Minimum of 10 gallons for one or two gouramis.
  • For community tanks, at least 20 gallons is recommended to give space for other fish.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 77-82°F (25-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-7.5.
  • Hardness: 4-10 dGH.
  • Filtration: Gentle filtration is ideal, as they prefer calm, slow-moving waters.
  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel, with plenty of live plants for cover and a few hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times a day with portions they can consume in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Vegetable matter like blanched spinach or lettuce can be added for variety.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Males can be territorial, especially with other male gouramis or fish that have similar appearances.
• Compatibility: Best kept with peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, mollies, or non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid other male gouramis or aggressive fish.
• Activity Level: Fairly active, they swim throughout the tank, especially in the middle to upper areas. They also use their labyrinth organ to occasionally gulp air from the surface.

Breeding

• Breeding Season: Can breed in a home aquarium if conditions are favorable.
• Spawning Behavior: Males build bubble nests at the water surface and court females to spawn beneath the nest.
• Eggs: After spawning, the male cares for the eggs, placing them in the bubble nest. Once hatched, remove the female to prevent aggression.
• Egg Hatching: Eggs hatch within 24-36 hours. The fry become free-swimming after 3 days.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Change 20-25% of the tank water weekly to maintain good water quality.
  • Monitor ammonia and nitrate levels regularly to avoid toxic buildup.

• Common Diseases:

  • Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV): A disease that can affect dwarf gouramis. Quarantine new fish and buy from reputable sources to reduce risk.
  • Fin Rot: Can be caused by poor water conditions. Keep water clean and treat with antibacterial medications if needed.
  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with increased water temperature and anti-parasitic medication if observed.