Pearl gourami - Trichogaster leeri

Scientific name: Trichogaster leeri

Common name: Pearl gourami

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 12 cm (3.54 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Origin

The Pearl Gourami originate from waterways in Asia, namely Borneo, Sumatra and Thailand.

Lifespan

The expected lifespan for the Pearl Gourami is 5 years.

Short description

The Pearl Gourami are a very peaceful species however you may find that having ore than one male in the tank may lead to territorial issues. They are great for the community tank as they tend to leave other species alone. They can be intimidated by aggressive species so always keep them in a peaceful community. The Pearl Gourami has very little requirements when it comes to furnishing the aquarium, plants can be added and provide some hiding places by the addition of rocks or wood. Make sure that you leave open swimming spaces and keep the water flow to a moderate rate.

Feeding

They are certainly not fussy when it comes to eating and once settled in the aquarium should accept all foods offered. Use a quality flake for the staple diet but also offer them treats of live or frozen foods.

Sexing

Males display a much brighter colouration than the females and have a throat colouration of red or orange. They will also develop extended finnage as they mature.

Breeding

Pearl Gourami are bubble nest builders, the male will build his nest at the water surface and then entice the female over to encourage her to deposit her eggs there. Adding floating plants will help greatly with this process and he may even use leaf fragments to give the nest more strength. Keep the water flow turned down low and once ready the female will approach where a courting ritual will take place. The fish will entwine and the eggs are released under the nest where they will float upwards. When spawning is complete, remove the female as the male assumes the care and the female will be chased away no longer required by the male.

The eggs should hatch after a day and once free swimming can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or infusoria.