Dwarf gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Dwarf gourami with striking colour forms; select only healthy, actively feeding fish. A labyrinth fish that also breathes air at the surface. Provide cover and unobstructed surface access.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Trichogaster lalius
- Dutch name
- Dwerggoerami
- Water temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 8.8 cm SL
- Experience
- Basic knowledge
- General hardness (GH)
- 2–18 °dGH
- Starting footprint
- 60 × 30 cm
- Swimming or living zone
- Upper water
- Flow
- Gentle, with adequate oxygen
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
Asia — Pakistan / India / Bangladesh
Habitat & setup
Vegetated freshwater habitats; provide plants and quiet refuges.
Diet
Varied fine pellets or flakes, supplemented with suitable frozen or live food.
Behaviour & grouping
Plan separate territories; an arbitrary pair may still fight.
Living with other animals
Calm shoaling fish and suitable bottom-dwellers. Avoid fin-nippers, boisterous food competitors and territorial labyrinth fish.
Possible combinations to investigate further
- Harlequin rasbora
22–27 °C · pH 6–7.5
Reproduction
Bubble-nest builder; breeding needs a separate calm approach and very fine fry food.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Colisa_lalia-Male_and_Female.jpg — Felix Gertz. CC BY-SA 4.0.