In-store pickup only.Pick up at1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville, GA.
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Male Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish prized for the brilliant red-orange and iridescent turquoise striping that males develop at maturity. Intermediate care level with a calm, curious temperament — they make an outstanding centerpiece for planted community tanks with gentle flow. Browse our other freshwater livestock to build out a compatible community.
Care Guide
- Minimum tank size:10 gallons for a single male; 20+ gallons preferred, especially in a community setup.
- Temperature:72–82°F (22–28°C). Tropical heater required.
- pH:6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water. Avoid extremes.
- Flow:Low to moderate. Dwarf Gouramis dislike strong currents — baffle aggressive filter outflows.
- Diet:Omnivore. Feed quality tropical flake or micropellets daily, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia 2–3 times a week.
- Labyrinth organ:Like bettas, gouramis breathe atmospheric air. Always leave a small gap between the waterline and the lid, and keep the air above the tank warm and humid.
- One male per tank:Males are territorial with each other and will fight. Keep a single male, or one male with 2–3 females in a 20+ gallon setup.
- Aquascape:Floating plants (frogbit, water lettuce, red root floater) and dense midground cover make this fish feel secure and show its best color.
Specifications
| Common Name | Dwarf Gourami (Male) |
| Scientific Name | Trichogaster lalius(formerlyColisa lalia) |
| Family | Osphronemidae (Gouramis) |
| Origin | South Asia — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan; slow, vegetated waters |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore — tropical flake, micropellets, frozen/live foods |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years with good care |
| Adult Size | ~3.5 in (9 cm) |
| Water Type | Freshwater, tropical |
Compatibility & Tank Mates
Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful and shy, so pick calm tank mates of similar size. Avoid fin-nippers, large cichlids, and other male gouramis or bettas.
- Small schooling tetras — Black Emperor Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra
- Bottom dwellers — Panda Corydoras, Orange Laser Corydoras, Kuhli Loach
- Peaceful livebearers — Bumble Bee Platy, Peppermint Platy
- Small schooling danios — Zebra Danio
- Nerite snails, ramshorn snails, and ghost or Amano shrimp (adult shrimp only — fry may be eaten)
Avoid:Other male gouramis, male bettas, tiger barbs, large cichlids, and any aggressive fin-nippers.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein staple flake gouramis readily accept
- Seachem Prime Water Conditioner — dechlorinator for every water change
- Red Root Floater or Water Lettuce — floating cover gouramis love
- Live freshwater plants — broadleaf midground cover for shy resting spots
- All freshwater foods — rotate frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp for color and conditioning
FAQ
Can I keep two male Dwarf Gouramis together?
No. Males are territorial with each other and will fight, even in larger tanks. One male per tank is the rule. If you want a group, do one male with 2–3 females in a 20+ gallon planted setup.
Why does my gourami keep coming to the surface?
That’s normal — gouramis are labyrinth fish that gulp air from the surface. As long as the room and water are warm and the lid leaves a small air gap, this behavior is healthy and expected.
Will a Dwarf Gourami eat my shrimp?
Adult Amano or ghost shrimp usually coexist fine, but baby shrimp and very small dwarf shrimp will likely be eaten. Plan accordingly if you want a shrimp breeding tank.
Are they good for a beginner?
We rate them intermediate. They’re hardy in stable water but sensitive to ammonia spikes and chasing from aggressive tank mates. A cycled, planted tank with peaceful neighbors is the sweet spot.
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