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Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gourami
Origin
South East Asia
Habitat Size
50-150 Liters
Water Type
Fresh Water
Water Temperature
24º-28ºC
Cost in India
₹80 - ₹150
Size
2 - 6 inches (Small)
Diet
Omnivore
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025
Introduction of the Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is the most stunning and most docile aquarium freshwater fish. It's best perhaps best most widely referred to by its pearlescent pearlesque color scheme along its entire length and slender, elongated body, making it among the most sought-after fish aquarists who adore peaceful, beautiful fish.
From Southeast Asia's swamps and sluggish waters, Pearl Gouramis are their salt worth in being compatible with other fishes, peaceful nature, and tolerance. With their marvelous look and easy-going temperaments, they are ideal for community tanks and middle-level aquarists.
Origin of the Pearl Gourami
The Pearl Gourami are native to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia in soft, acidic water with dense cover. They inhabit shallow, quiet water with lots of floating vegetation.
They can tolerate local levels of oxygen because they can extract oxygen from the air using a labyrinth organ, and they are therefore highly tolerant and durable and will prosper under most tank conditions.
Temperament of the Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are friendly, peaceful and intelligent fish. They are moderately territorial when breeding but low in aggression if kept in large tanks with cover.
They like low lights, gentle tanks and when bred and kept fours and sixes, one male and more than one female to avoid dominance.
Pearl Gourami Compatibility with Other Fish
They can be kept with the most peaceful community fish. Do not keep them with fin-nippers or very active fish.
Good tank companions for them are:
- Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, and Corydoras
- Mollies and Platies
- Dwarf Gouramis (in extremely large aquariums)
- Otocinclus Catfish and Cherry Barbs
Do not keep them with fin-nipping varieties such as Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids.
Price Range of Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are very common and readily available. In India, they are available in the range of ₹150 to ₹400 per piece depending on size and coloration quality.
Characteristics
Temperament
Aggressive
Friendly
Compatibility with other fishes
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Habitat Size
Small
Large
Habitat Requirements of the Pearl Gourami
Initial Setup Cost
₹4,000 - ₹12,000
Water Temperature
24º -28ºC
Water Type
Fresh Water
PH Level
6.5 - 7.5
Tank Setup
- Tank Type: Freshwater
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a small school
- Substrate: Fine sand or gravel
- Decor: Live plants, floating leaves, and driftwood
- Lighting: Dull to moderate to highlight their colors
Water Conditions
- Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
- pH Level: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Environmental requirements
Have regular and clean water with a gentle filtration setup, and replace 25–30% of the water every week to guarantee quality.
Essential Equipment
Aquarium tank
Water filter
Heater
Light
Substrate
Pearl Gourami Nutritional Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹80 - ₹ 150
Pearl Gouramis are omnivores and love a varied diet that keeps colors vibrant and healthy at best.
Food Suggestions:
- Quality flake or micro pellets
- Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
- Blanched green leafy vegetables such as spinach or peas
Feed them 2–3 times a day in small quantities which they will consume within a matter of minutes.
Health & Care of the Pearl Gourami
Common Health Issues
Fin rot
White spot / ick
Fungus
Velvet
Dropsy (swollen abdomen)
Columnaris (cotton wool-like growth on the skin)
Signs of good health
Active
Bright coloration
Good apetite
Signs of sickness
Loss of appetite
Lethargic behaviour
Dull coloring
Swimming abnormally
Cloudy eyes
Pearl Gouramis are robust but fall ill when subjected to poor water conditions or stress.
Common Pearl Gourami Ailments
Bacterial Infections
Resulting from poor water conditions or injury.
- Symptom: Red streaks, swelling, or ulcers.
- Treatment: Quarantine infected fish and administer antibacterial medication.
Velvet Disease
Parasitic disease that causes the gold-dusted fish to show up.
- Symptom: Pale color, thin gold dust coating on the body, and clamped fins.
- Cure: Copper-based treatment and limited light.
Swim Bladder Disorder
Because of overfeeding or gulping air from the water surface.
- Symptom: Unable to swim upwards or float in an asymmetrical manner.
- Cure: Starve fish 24 hours, then blanched pea feed.
Prerequisites for a Fish
Adequate tank space
Cleanliness
Effort & commitment
Enriching Environment
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pearl Gouramis aggressive?
No, pearl gouramis are calm fish that aren't usually hostile. They can be kept with other peaceful fish species in community aquariums.
Can Pearl Gouramis be kept in pairs?
Yes, Pearl Gouramis can be kept in pairs or small groups. However, it's important to provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to minimize aggression between individuals.
Do Pearl Gouramis require a lot of space?
While they are not overly territorial, Pearl Gouramis appreciate space to swim and explore. It is advised to use 50–150 liters to fit their size and temperament.