
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Trichogaster lalius
Beautiful small anabantid with red and blue stripes. Breathes air with labyrinth organ. Builds bubble nests. Peaceful and popular.
The dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small labyrinth fish native to the slow-moving rivers, ponds, and rice paddies of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Males display spectacular diamond-shaped blue and red patterning; females are more plainly colored in silver. Like all labyrinth fish, dwarf gouramis breathe atmospheric air through a labyrinth organ, surfacing regularly to gulp air. Generally peaceful and suitable for community tanks, males may dispute territories with conspecifics, so adequate space is needed when keeping multiple males. Floating plants such as hornwort or frogbit provide security and improve their condition. During breeding, males construct elaborate bubble nests at the surface and fiercely guard eggs through hatching. A notable health concern is Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), to which this species is highly susceptible — purchasing from reputable suppliers and selecting fish with vibrant coloration and active behavior helps minimize this risk. Diet includes quality flake food, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Dwarf Gourami lives 3-5 years.
The Dwarf Gourami grows to 5-8cm.
The ideal temperature for the Dwarf Gourami is 24〜28℃.
They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) at 24–28°C.
Origin
South Asia
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Trichogaster lalius (Hamilton, 1822)
Synonyms: Colisa lalia (Hamilton, 1822), Colisa unicolor Cuvier, 1831, Colisha lalius (Hamilton, 1822), Polyacanthus lalius (Hamilton, 1822), Trichopodus lalius Hamilton, 1822
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
5-8cm
Temperature
24〜28℃
Pellets, frozen food
Can be kept from a 30 cm tank. Floating plants such as hornwort or Amazon frogbit make it feel secure and improve its condition.
Slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5) at 24-28°C suits it. It breathes air directly at the surface with its labyrinth organ.
Calm and compatible with many small fish, but males fight over territory, so give them ample space when keeping several.
Builds bubble nest at surface. Floating plants helpful
Readily eats flake food, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and the like.
Susceptible to Iridovirus — buy from trusted shops
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Dwarf Gourami is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Dwarf Gourami is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Dwarf Gourami typically reaches 5-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Dwarf Gourami feeds on: Pellets, frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Dwarf Gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026