Dwarf Gourami Male (Trichogaster lalius)

The Male Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish prized for the brilliant red-orange and iridescent turquoise striping that males develop at maturity. Intermediate care level with a calm, curious temperament — they make an outstanding centerpiece for planted community tanks with gentle flow. Browse our other freshwater livestock to build out a compatible community.

Care Guide

• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for a single male; 20+ gallons preferred, especially in a community setup.
• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C). Tropical heater required.
• pH: 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water. Avoid extremes.
• Flow: Low to moderate. Dwarf Gouramis dislike strong currents — baffle aggressive filter outflows.
• Diet: Omnivore. Feed quality tropical flake or micropellets daily, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia 2–3 times a week.
• Labyrinth organ: Like bettas, gouramis breathe atmospheric air. Always leave a small gap between the waterline and the lid, and keep the air above the tank warm and humid.
• One male per tank: Males are territorial with each other and will fight. Keep a single male, or one male with 2–3 females in a 20+ gallon setup.
• Aquascape: Floating plants (frogbit, water lettuce, red root floater) and dense midground cover make this fish feel secure and show its best color.

Specifications

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful and shy, so pick calm tank mates of similar size. Avoid fin-nippers, large cichlids, and other male gouramis or bettas.

• Small schooling tetras — Black Emperor Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra
• Bottom dwellers — Panda Corydoras, Orange Laser Corydoras, Kuhli Loach
• Peaceful livebearers — Bumble Bee Platy, Peppermint Platy
• Small schooling danios — Zebra Danio
• Nerite snails, ramshorn snails, and ghost or Amano shrimp (adult shrimp only — fry may be eaten)

Avoid: Other male gouramis, male bettas, tiger barbs, large cichlids, and any aggressive fin-nippers.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein staple flake gouramis readily accept
• Seachem Prime Water Conditioner — dechlorinator for every water change
• Red Root Floater or Water Lettuce — floating cover gouramis love
• Live freshwater plants — broadleaf midground cover for shy resting spots
• All freshwater foods — rotate frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp for color and conditioning

FAQ

Can I keep two male Dwarf Gouramis together?
No. Males are territorial with each other and will fight, even in larger tanks. One male per tank is the rule. If you want a group, do one male with 2–3 females in a 20+ gallon planted setup.

Why does my gourami keep coming to the surface?
That's normal — gouramis are labyrinth fish that gulp air from the surface. As long as the room and water are warm and the lid leaves a small air gap, this behavior is healthy and expected.

Will a Dwarf Gourami eat my shrimp?
Adult Amano or ghost shrimp usually coexist fine, but baby shrimp and very small dwarf shrimp will likely be eaten. Plan accordingly if you want a shrimp breeding tank.

Are they good for a beginner?
We rate them intermediate. They're hardy in stable water but sensitive to ammonia spikes and chasing from aggressive tank mates. A cycled, planted tank with peaceful neighbors is the sweet spot.