Moonlight Gourami

Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis) is a calm aquarium fish that is highly prized for its stunning, silvery-white color that shines in the aquarium lighting — much like moonlight — from which it gets its common name. It is a lovely fish with its dainty fins and calm demeanor, and therefore is an aquarist favorite who needs a calm and handsome aquarium.

This Southeastern native is a perfect tankmate for community aquariums and is famous for being an intraspecifically peaceful fish, beautiful, and easy to acclimate, hence a great addition to amateur as well as professional aquarists.

Origin of the Moonlight Gourami

Found in the slow waters of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Moonlight Gouramis inhabit swamps, ponds, and tranquil river basins that are heavily covered. There, in such peaceful environments, they employ their labyrinth organ — a truly marvelous respiration organ — to draw oxygen from the air, surviving even in water that has no oxygen.

Temperament of the Moonlight Gourami

Moonlight Gouramis are shy, serene, and peaceful fish that thrive in serene tanks. They are shy initially but become socialized and energetic with quiet tank mates. Males are territorial, particularly during spawning, but are gentle aggression in contrast to other gourami.

Moonlight Gourami Compatibility with Other Fish

Moonlight Gouramis are excellent community fish if introduced along with other peaceful fish. Suitable tank mates include:

1. Harlequin Rasboras
2. Corydoras Catfish
3. Tetras (Neon, Rummy-nose, or Glowlight)
4. Guppies and Mollies
5. Other peaceful Gouramis

Skip fin-nipping breeds like Tiger Barbs or bother-causing Cichlids that will stress them out.

Price Range of the Moonlight Gourami

Moonlight Gouramis are inexpensive and readily available. In India, they would typically cost ₹200–₹500 ($3–$6) depending on size, color, and locality. Breeding pairs or adults would be a bit more.