Pearl Gourami

The Pearl Gourami is one of the most beautiful and peaceful gouramis in the aquarium hobby. They get their name from the pearl-like white spots covering their bodies and fins, creating a lace-like pattern. A distinctive black line runs from their mouth through the eye to the tail, and they have thread-like ventral fins that act as sensory organs. Pearl Gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they breathe air from the surface using a specialized organ. They are larger than Dwarf Gouramis (reaching 5 inches) and significantly more peaceful, making them ideal centerpieces for community tanks. Their graceful swimming, stunning appearance, and gentle temperament make them one of the most sought-after gouramis. They are hardy, adaptable, and perfect for beginners with appropriate tank sizes.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Pearl Gouramis need space and surface access:

• Minimum 30 gallons for one or pair (40+ recommended)
• Taller tanks appreciated - they inhabit all levels
• Hang-on-back or canister filter (gentle flow)
• Heater to maintain 75-82°F
• Lid essential - they need humid air for labyrinth organ
• Plants throughout water column (especially floating)
• Driftwood and caves for hiding
• Dark substrate enhances pearl spots

Critical: They are labyrinth fish and MUST have access to humid air. Tank must have minimal gap between water surface and lid, or keep water level lower.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (5-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <40 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25% water changes
• Hardy and adaptable
• Keep water level consistent for labyrinth breathing
• Good for beginners

Labyrinth Organ

Specialized breathing adaptation:

• Surface air: Must gulp air at surface regularly
• Humidity crucial: Air above water must be humid
• Gap important: Minimal space between water and lid, or lower water level
• Organ development: Fry develop labyrinth organ at 3-4 weeks
• Still water: Avoid strong surface agitation

Warning: Without access to humid air, they can suffocate even with perfect water quality.

Feeding

Pearl Gouramis are omnivores:

• High-quality flakes or pellets as staple
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Live foods: occasional treats
• Vegetables: spirulina, blanched vegetables

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily, small amounts.

Note: They are calm eaters. Make sure they get food before faster fish eat it all.

Behavior & Compatibility

Very peaceful fish:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Plecos
  • Livebearers (guppies, platies, mollies)
  • Other peaceful gouramis (Dwarf, Honey)
  • Any peaceful community fish

• Avoid With:

  • Aggressive cichlids
  • Large predatory fish
  • Fin nippers (Tiger Barbs, some tetras)
  • Fast, boisterous fish that outcompete for food
  • Goldfish

Behavior: Graceful swimmers, inhabit all levels but spend time at surface, peaceful with all tankmates.

Breeding

Bubble nest builders:

• Bubble nest: Male builds at surface using bubbles and saliva
• Spawning: Male wraps around female under nest
• Egg care: Male guards nest and eggs
• Fry: Hatch in 24-48 hours
• Fry care: Male guards until free-swimming
• Difficulty: Moderate - need proper conditions

Breeding setup: Lower water level, floating plants, warm temperature (80°F).

Health Considerations

Generally hardy:

• Ich: Treatable
• Fin rot: Rare
• Bloat: From overeating
• Generally robust: Few health problems

Prevention:

• Maintain good water quality
• Ensure access to humid air
• Feed varied diet

Size Considerations

Larger than most gouramis:

• Adult size: 4-5 inches
• Sexual dimorphism: Males more colorful, longer fins
• Lifespan: 4-5 years

Appearance

Absolutely stunning:

• Body: Silver with pearl-like white spots (iridescent)
• Pattern: Lace-like appearance from pearl spots
• Stripe: Distinctive black line from mouth through eye to tail
• Fins: Thread-like ventral fins (sensory organs), orange-edged dorsal and anal fins
• Males: More intense coloration, longer dorsal and anal fins
• Females: Rounder belly, shorter fins

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 25% water changes
• Maintain consistent water level for labyrinth breathing
• Filter maintenance
• Remove uneaten food
• Trim plants as needed
• Check lid seals to maintain humidity

Tips for Success

• Lid is essential - maintain humid air space
• Keep water level consistent
• Provide floating plants
• Peaceful - choose appropriate tankmates
• Hardy and forgiving
• Feed before faster fish
• Males may spar but rarely harm each other
• Beautiful centerpiece fish
• Good for beginners with 30+ gallon tanks
• Thread-like ventral fins are delicate - avoid sharp decorations

Comparison to Dwarf Gourami

• Pearl: Larger (5”), more peaceful, hardy, pearl spots
• Dwarf: Smaller (2”), more aggressive, often inbred with health issues, stripes
• Pearl better for: Community tanks, beginners, reliability

Why “Peaceful”

Unlike many gouramis:

• No aggression toward tankmates
• Males may display but rarely fight seriously
• Can keep multiple males in large enough tanks
• Safe with smaller fish
• Don’t establish harsh territories

Ideal Centerpiece

Perfect for community tanks:

• Size: Large enough to be seen but not overwhelming
• Color: Stunning pearl pattern catches light
• Behavior: Graceful and peaceful
• Hardiness: Forgiving of minor mistakes
• Compatibility: Works with most community fish