Sparkling Gourami Trichopsis Pumila 2cm

Overview

The Sparkling Gourami is a true nano labyrinth fish, its slender body flecked with iridescent blue and green over a bronze base, with red-edged, blue-spotted fins. It comes from still, weedy lowland waters across the Mekong basin and Thailand. It suits peaceful nano and planted tanks, and even careful beginners.

• Adult Size: Around 4 cm (1.6 in); males slightly longer-finned
• Lifespan: 3–5 years, occasionally longer

Origin

• Native to: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
• Habitat: Still, densely vegetated swamps, floodplains and ditches

Feeding

• Diet: Insectivorous, takes small omnivore foods
• Preferred Foods: Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, bloodworm, micro pellets, crushed flake
• Feeding Habits: Small feeds daily; live or frozen brings out colour

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small rasboras, Boraras, pygmy corydoras, kuhli loaches, otocinclus, its own kind
• Avoid: Boisterous or large fish, fin nippers, tiny dwarf shrimp

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful
• Territoriality: Males spar harmlessly and hold small territories

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Easily outcompeted for food; needs plant cover and gentle flow

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 5.0–7.5
• Hardness: 1–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 litres for a pair or small group

Final Notes

Keep in pairs or small groups in a heavily planted tank with floating cover and a tight lid, as they breathe air and can jump. They may eat baby shrimp. Uniquely, both sexes make audible croaking and purring sounds during courtship using a special pectoral mechanism. Bubble nest breeders that spawn among plants. Sexing is easiest by backlighting the fish to see the female's ovaries. A wonderful, characterful nano fish.