Species Profile
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
AnabantoidspeacefulLong-finned
Adult size
3.5″
Minimum tank
10 gal
Temperature
72–82°F
pH
6–7.5
Schooling
Solitary OK
Water level
top
Diet
Flake, pellets, frozen
Notes
Iridescent blue and red labyrinth fish from south Asian rice paddies. Susceptible to the dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGIV); buy from a reputable source. One male per tank; two males almost always fight to the death.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Dwarf Gourami
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Dwarf Gouramiin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Neon Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-2.5