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Trichopodus leerii
An elegant gourami speckled all over with pearl-like white dots; males flush fiery red on the breast. Peaceful, hardy, and able to breathe air.
The pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a labyrinth fish from the slow lowland waters of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is admired for its elegant look, a brown-to-violet body covered in pearl-like white spots with a single dark line running from snout to tail, and mature males flush a fiery orange-red across the breast and throat. A medium fish at 10-12 cm, it possesses a labyrinth organ and breathes air, so an air gap at the surface is important. Peaceful and well suited to community tanks, it prefers soft, slightly acidic-to-neutral water, gentle flow, and a calm surface. Its thread-like pelvic fins serve as feelers, so avoid sharp decor that could damage them. Omnivorous, it readily takes flakes and frozen foods. Rival males may squabble mildly, but it is generally gentle and hardy, living a comparatively long 4-6 years, which makes it a popular medium community fish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Lowland waters of Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo)
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
10-12cm
Temperature
24〜28℃
Humidity
—(水中飼育)
Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen food)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Trichopodus leerii (Bleeker, 1852)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
FishBase: CITES Not Evaluated / IUCN Least Concern。観賞魚として広く流通。
Sources: FishBase / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
45-60cm+; likes a calm water surface
Breathes air; leave an air gap at the surface
Soft, slightly acidic-neutral; gentle flow
Peaceful in communities; rival males may squabble
The thread-like pelvic fins are sensory; avoid sharp decor
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 Pearl Gourami is 24〜28℃. Recommended humidity is —(水中飼育). Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Pearl Gourami is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Pearl Gourami typically reaches 10-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Pearl Gourami feeds on: Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen food). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Pearl Gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 25, 2026