Dwarf Gourami (Trigaster Lalius)

DWARF GOURAMI

 

(Trigaster Lalius)

 

credits to Chor Kat Yeo

 

 

Ah yes, the Dwarf Gourami, a fish many people new to the fishkeeping hobby have in their stocklist. Hailing from South Asia, breeding for specific DNA traits and genes have produce different color traits such as Flame Red, Powder Blue and the more common Neon or Turquoise.

 

Habitat: A planted aquarium made to replicate a creek is good, though if going for a biotope the aquarium should be made to replicate a blackwater peat swamp. Floating plants such as Limnobium Laevigatum or Salvinia Natans will make the fish feel more secure and promotes breeding.

 

Diet: Omnivorous. Feed them a varied diet of bloodworms, algae based flakes and wafers, cyclopodia sp. and brine shrimp.

 

 

Minimum Tank Requirements: 10 gallons/2x1x1 ft is fine for one specimen.

 

Water Conditions: 72-82°F/25-27°C, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.5

 

Aggression: A peaceful fish, do not keep them with aggressive fish like bettas or fish that will see them as prey.

 

Breeding: The Dwarf Gourami is a bubblenest builder that uses plants to help bind together the bubbles. Besides the difference in color, the sex can be determined by the dorsal fin. The male's dorsal fin is pointed, while the female's is rounded. The water level should be reduced to 8 inches during spawning, and the temperature should be approximately 82°F. After spawning the female should be moved to a different tank. The male will tend to the eggs and fry, and when the fry are 2-3 days old the male should also be removed. When first hatched, the fry should be fed infusoria, and later, brine shrimp and finely ground flakes. Freeze-dried tablets may also be fed to older fry.

 

Notes: Despite being a docile fish, they can be aggressive towards conspecifics so a tank large enough and full of hides will allow each fish to establish a territory.

 

These fish are easily spooked by loud noises, so it is best tp have the aquarium in a quiet area.

 

It is known that fish imported from Singapore may have a chance of carrying Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.

 

Leave your comments, thoughts and experiences of this species below :)