About Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful and popular labyrinth fish known for its brilliant coloration and peaceful demeanor. Males display stunning iridescent stripes of red and blue, resembling a living work of art as they swim gracefully through the aquarium. Native to the slow-moving waters of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, these fish have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, making them remarkably adaptable to various water conditions. They are ideal for beginners due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements. However, male dwarf gouramis are territorial and should never be housed together. They spend most of their time in the upper water column and appreciate tanks with plenty of floating vegetation where they can build bubble nests. Their gentle nature and manageable size make them excellent centerpieces for peaceful community aquariums.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Dwarf Gouramis prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of floating vegetation. Use amazon frogbit, water lettuce, or duckweed to create shaded areas. Include caves or hiding spots using driftwood or rock formations. Gentle filtration is essential as they dislike strong currents. Dark substrate enhances their colors. Provide at least 6 inches of surface area for their labyrinth breathing.
Water Quality
- Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (5-20 dGH)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <40 ppm
They are adaptable but prefer stable conditions. Regular water changes (25% weekly) keep them healthy.
Feeding
Omnivorous with a preference for protein. Feed:
- High-quality flake or pellet food as staple
- Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia 2-3 times weekly
- Occasional vegetable matter: blanched spinach or spirulina
- Live foods as treats
Feed 2-3 times daily. They may also eat algae and biofilm from plants and decor.
Behavior & Compatibility
Peaceful but territorial with their own species. Keep only one male per tank unless the tank is very large (55+ gallons) with visual barriers. Females can be kept together or in groups. Males may spar but rarely cause serious harm. Ideal tank mates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras. Avoid fin nippers and boisterous fish. They are shy and may hide initially but become more confident over time.
Common Health Issues
- Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV): A devastating viral disease affecting many commercially bred gouramis. Symptoms include lethargy, color loss, and loss of appetite. Highly contagious and fatal; buy from reputable sources.
- Bacterial infections: Often secondary to poor water quality; maintain pristine conditions
- Swim bladder issues: From overfeeding; feed smaller portions
Breeding
Bubble nest builders that are relatively easy to breed. Males build nests at the surface among floating plants. Spawning involves an embrace where eggs are released and fertilized. Male cares for eggs and fry. Remove female after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry are tiny and require infusoria initially, then baby brine shrimp.
Tips for Success
- Purchase from quality breeders to avoid DGIV; Asian-farmed fish are higher risk
- Keep only one male per tank
- Provide plenty of floating plants for nest building and security
- Do not house with bettas or other territorial labyrinth fish
- Ensure they can access the surface easily for air-breathing
- Add Indian almond leaves for natural tannins and comfort