Product Details

Pearl Gourami – Trichopodus leerii

Overview:

The Pearl Gourami is one of the most elegant peaceful gouramis, known for its pearly white spotting, dark side stripe and graceful filament-like pelvic fins. Trichopodus leerii is a calm, attractive centrepiece fish for mature planted community aquariums, especially where the water is warm, stable and not too turbulent. Mature males can develop a beautiful orange-red throat and extended fins, making this species particularly impressive in a well-planted display.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Pearl Gourami
Other Names: Lace Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Diamond Gourami, Leeri Gourami, Pearl Fish
Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
Synonym / Older Trade Name: Trichogaster leerii
Fish Type: Gourami / Labyrinth Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Pearl Gourami is native to Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Sumatra and Borneo. FishBase describes it from swamps and streams, usually among dense vegetation, and notes that it occurs in lowland swamps with acidic water.

In the aquarium, it should be given a calm planted setup with floating plants, shaded cover, gentle flow and easy access to the surface, as this species breathes atmospheric air using its labyrinth organ.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Pearl Gouramis have a laterally compressed body covered in fine pearly white spots, giving a lace-like or mosaic pattern. A dark horizontal stripe runs from the mouth through the body towards the tail. Mature males usually develop longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins, plus a stronger orange to red colour on the throat and chest. Females are usually rounder-bodied and less intensely coloured.

Adults usually reach around 10–12 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum of 12 cm total length.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent choice for peaceful planted community aquariums. Pearl Gouramis suit layouts with tall plants, floating plants, bogwood, calm corners and open surface access. They are generally much less aggressive than many other medium gouramis, but they still need space and should not be kept in cramped or chaotic aquariums.

They are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, fin-nipping communities, strong-current river tanks or aquariums with boisterous fish that constantly chase or outcompete them.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a pair or small group, with a tank length of at least 90 cm recommended. FishBase gives a more conservative aquarium-size note of 120 cm, while Seriously Fish lists 90 x 30 x 30 cm as a minimum footprint.

Larger aquariums are preferred if keeping more than one male or mixing with active community fish.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: Fishkeeper lists 24–28°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness up to 20 dH, while natural habitats are often softer and more acidic. Avoid strong surface agitation, but keep the water clean and well filtered. Leave a warm, humid air space above the water surface, especially in cooler rooms.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Pearl Gouramis are peaceful, calm community fish. Suitable tank mates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, small barbs, Cory-type catfish, small plecs, peaceful loaches, rainbowfish of suitable temperament and other gentle community species that will not nip their fins or dominate feeding.

Avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras, large aggressive cichlids, nippy danios in cramped tanks, large predators and overly boisterous gouramis. They can be kept singly, as a male-female pair, or as a small group with more females than males. Multiple males need enough space, cover and line-of-sight breaks.

Feeding:

Pearl Gouramis are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality flakes, floating or slow-sinking granules and small pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and bloodworm. They may also take small insect-based foods and occasional vegetable-based foods. Feed at the surface and midwater, making sure faster fish do not take all the food before the gouramis feed.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species is calm, graceful and often spends time cruising the upper and middle levels among plants. It will use its long pelvic fins to feel its surroundings and tank mates. Males may display to females or rival males by spreading their fins and intensifying their throat colour. Pearl Gouramis are bubble-nest builders, and FishBase notes that the male guards the bubble nest.

Care Notes:

Add Pearl Gouramis only to a mature, stable aquarium. Provide floating plants or surface cover, but leave open areas for breathing. Keep flow gentle, avoid fin-nipping tank mates and maintain low nitrate through regular water changes. Because they are labyrinth fish, they must always have access to the surface. A secure lid is recommended, as gouramis can jump and also benefit from warm humid air above the water.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Usually captive-bred

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.