Sparkling gourami

About this species

Trichopsis pumila (Arnold, 1936) is commonly called the sparkling gourami, pygmy gourami or dwarf croaking gourami. It reaches about 4 cm standard length, measured without the tail fin. A dark central stripe topped by dark blotches helps distinguish it from larger relatives. Like other labyrinth fish, it can take air at the surface and is known for audible croaking during social interactions.

Natural habitat

The species occurs in the lower Mekong basin and parts of central and southern Thailand. Habitats include swamp forest, peat water, floodplains, ditches, rice fields and other shallow, still or sluggish waters with dense vegetation.

FishBase reports Least Concern (LC), based on a 2011 assessment. That is not a current population count. Never release aquarium fish into natural waters.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends a 45 × 30 cm base, about 41 litres, for a pair or small group. Consider floor area as well as volume. Furnish the aquarium with shade, dense plants, floating cover, shelters and little current. Leave part of the surface accessible for air breathing.

This species jumps well, so use a tight-fitting lid. Keep a warm, humid air space above the water; do not fill the aquarium to the brim. A gentle sponge filter may suit it, provided water quality remains good.

Water conditions

Seriously Fish gives 22–28°C, pH 5.0–7.5 and GH 1–12 dGH. FishBase ecological records list 25–28°C, pH 6–7 and hardness 5–19. Wild ecology records and aquarium recommendations are not identical measures, so we show the conservative overlap: 25–28°C, pH 6–7 and GH 5–12 dGH.

Keep values stable and avoid abrupt corrections. No verified species-specific KH target is available.

Behaviour and group size

Keep this small fish as a pair or small group. Larger or more vigorous fish can intimidate it or outcompete it for food. The specialist source gives possible tankmates only at genus level, so this guide does not claim an untested named pairing is guaranteed to work.

Both sexes can croak. Some aquarists report predation on small Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp. Do not assume the gourami is safe with shrimplets or very small shrimp.

Feeding

In the wild, Trichopsis pumila eats insects and other small invertebrates. Offer small portions of live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp or chironomid larvae, and also accustom it to suitable dry food.

Hikari Micro Pellets are manufacturer-described as daily food for small tropical fish with small mouths. They are a suitable dry-food option, but should not replace live or frozen foods in a varied diet. Feed small portions and remove leftovers.

Breeding

Trichopsis pumila is a bubble-nester, and the male guards the eggs. Seriously Fish reports hatching after about 24–48 hours, followed by roughly 2–3 days in the nest before the fry swim freely.

Free-swimming fry first need infusoria-sized food, then foods such as microworms or Artemia nauplii. Maintain warm humid air above the water and make small, regular water changes.