Pearl Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
• Common Names: Pearl Gourami, Leeri Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Lace Gourami
• Type: One of the most beautiful and peaceful gourami species, native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Pearl Gourami is characterized by its pearly white spots scattered across its body and fins, resembling pearls. These spots give it a shimmering, mosaic-like appearance. The body is typically light brown or silvery, with a dark horizontal stripe running from the mouth to the tail.
• Size: Typically grows to about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length.
• Fins: The long, flowing fins are adorned with pearly spots. Males often have a reddish or orange tint on their throats and bellies, especially when ready to breed.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 4-6 years in captivity.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:

  • A minimum of 30 gallons for one Pearl Gourami.
  • For a group, a larger tank of at least 40 gallons is recommended.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 77-82°F (25-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-8.0.
  • Hardness: 5-15 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration with slow water movement, as they prefer still or gently flowing water.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand substrate works well. Pearl Gouramis thrive in tanks with dense vegetation, floating plants, and plenty of hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts that can be consumed within a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets.
  • Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Vegetable-based foods like blanched spinach, peas, or spirulina-based foods for variety.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Peaceful and generally calm, making them ideal for community tanks.
• Compatibility: Pearl Gouramis get along well with other peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and small rainbowfish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs.
• Activity Level: Moderately active swimmers that prefer the middle and upper levels of the tank. They are curious fish, often exploring their surroundings.
• Temperament: Though peaceful, males may display some territoriality, especially during breeding periods. However, aggression is usually minimal.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males build bubble nests at the water surface, often beneath floating plants. After spawning, the male guards the eggs by placing them in the bubble nest.
• Eggs: The eggs hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after 3-5 days.
• Fry Care: Remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression, and the male should be removed once the fry become free-swimming.

 Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Weekly water changes of 20-25% are essential to maintain water quality.
  • Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels regularly.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with raised temperatures and medications.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality, treat with antibacterial medication and improve water conditions.
  • Velvet Disease: A parasitic infection that can be treated with copper-based medications or other treatments specific to the parasite.