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Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Moonlight gourami care

Trichopodus microlepis

Moonlight gourami (Trichopodus microlepis)
Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0; resized and compressed. Photo: H. Zell (Llez), Zoo Karlsruhe · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0resized-compressed

The moonlight gourami is a large, silvery labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia. It moves calmly but needs room, a quiet environment and unrestricted access to the water surface. Good care also accounts for its adult size and possible male territoriality. Planted margins and quiet areas give this surface-oriented fish room to settle and feed. Watch whether it feeds reliably and can rest without repeated chasing. Consider its eventual size when choosing the aquarium and its tankmates. This species is best suited to a quietly arranged, securely covered tank where it can reach the surface easily. The guide below explains its habitat, stable water conditions, diet and breeding.

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At a glance

Temperature
25–30 °C
pH
6.0–7.5
GH
2–25 °dGH
Aquarium length
At least 90 cm
Minimum aquarium volume
At least 81 L
Adult size
Approximately 13–15 cm
Group size
At least 1 individuals
Temperament
Peaceful

About this species

Trichopodus microlepis is recognised by its plain silvery sheen and long thread-like pelvic fins. Older literature often calls it Trichogaster microlepis; the currently accepted combination is Trichopodus microlepis. It is not a small dwarf gourami: adults may reach roughly 13–15 cm standard length. Published measurements differ partly because standard length and total length are not interchangeable.

Natural habitat

The species is native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins on mainland Southeast Asia. It inhabits shallow, slow-moving or still waters such as ponds and swamps with abundant aquatic and marginal vegetation. Most aquarium specimens are captive-produced.

Aquarium and layout

Choose a long aquarium with a base of at least about 90 × 30 cm according to the specialist species profile. Provide open swimming space, planted margins, floating plants and gentle flow. Keep the surface accessible: as a labyrinth fish it also takes air at the surface. Cover the tank securely while allowing a warm, humid air space above the water and adequate ventilation. Males may nibble plants, so choose hardy, thick-leaved species and expect very fine foliage to be damaged. The specialist source describes one male with one or more females as a usual arrangement; multiple males need more space and close observation.

Water conditions

Aim for stable tropical conditions. The specialist aquarium profile lists 25–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and GH 2–25 °dGH. FishBase gives a narrower pH range of 6.0–7.0 and 26–30 °C for habitat data. This difference shows that a care range is not an exact description of every natural locality. Avoid abrupt changes and choose stable middle values.

Behaviour and group size

Moonlight gouramis are generally calm but may be shy and need space. Males can become territorial towards other males and other gouramis. Choose tankmates that are neither tiny nor excessively boisterous, and consider adult size, temperament and swimming room. Matching temperature alone does not prove compatibility. Keep a clear route to the surface.

Feeding

It is an omnivore. Use complete flakes or small pellets as a staple and vary them with suitable frozen or live small crustaceans and insect larvae. Match particle size to the fish and offer small portions that are eaten promptly. Variety is useful; do not leave uneaten food in the aquarium.

Breeding

The male builds a bubble nest at the surface, often among floating plants, and guards the clutch. Territorial behaviour may increase during breeding. A separate breeding setup is only worthwhile when stable conditions and appropriate tiny first foods for fry are available. Results and timing vary by pair.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .

View the sources