{"product_id":"pearl-gourami-trichopodus-leerii-freshwater","title":"Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePearl Gourami\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eTrichopodus leerii\u003c\/em\u003e) is the one people stop walking for. A lattice of pearly white spots is scattered across a warm brownish violet body, a thin dark line runs from the snout through to the tail, and a mature male carries a deep orange red throat and breast that flares when he displays. He is big enough to anchor a community tank at four to five inches, slow and deliberate in the way he moves, and gentle with everything around him. He is also genuinely easy, which is rare for a fish this showy. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to build the tank around him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons and up. These reach a real five inches, and the tank needs footprint more than height so a pair can stay out of each other's way.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant it heavily and soften the light.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pearl Gouramis come from shaded, tannin stained peat swamps, and a bright bare tank leaves them washed out and skulking behind the filter. Give them \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anubias-nana-anubias-barteri-nana-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnubias\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/java-fern-on-lava-rock-microsorum-pteropus-freshwater\"\u003eJava Fern\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/java-moss-taxiphyllum-barbieri-freshwater-moss\"\u003eJava Moss\u003c\/a\u003e, and something floating to break up the surface. The pearl pattern only really lights up on a fish that feels covered. Browse our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive freshwater plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep the flow low.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a still water fish from swamps and flooded forest. A hard filter outflow pushes it around and keeps it away from the surface, where it needs to be.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurface access is required.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like bettas, Pearl Gouramis breathe atmospheric air through a labyrinth organ and must reach the top. Leave an air gap under the lid so the air they gulp is warm and humid rather than cold room air.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76 to 82°F, pH 6.0 to 7.5, hardness 5 to 15 dGH. Soft and slightly acidic is ideal, but they adapt well to ordinary tap water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e omnivore, and not a fussy one. A quality flake or pellet staple such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tetra-tetramin-tropical-flakes\"\u003eTetraMin Tropical Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e, rotated with frozen and freeze dried foods like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ocean-nutrition-frozen-brine-shrimp-plus\"\u003efrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-freeze-dried-daphnia\"\u003efreeze dried daphnia\u003c\/a\u003e. They are famous for picking hydra out of a tank, and they will hunt planaria too.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedicate carefully.\u003c\/strong\u003e Labyrinth fish tolerate aquarium salt poorly compared to most community species, so use it sparingly and at reduced strength if at all. Skip tea tree oil products such as Melafix and Bettafix entirely, since the oil film on the surface interferes with labyrinth breathing. Ask us before dosing anything copper based.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid:\u003c\/strong\u003e required. Any surface breathing fish can jump, and a startled gourami will clear an open rim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTrichopodus leerii\u003c\/em\u003e (formerly \u003cem\u003eTrichogaster leerii\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePearl Gourami, Lace Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Diamond Gourami\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOsphronemidae, the gouramis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful. Males may spar with each other\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e4 to 5 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e76 to 82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.0 to 7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 to 15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLow. A labyrinth fish from still swamp water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOmnivore. Also eats hydra and planaria\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e4 to 8 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSoutheast Asia. Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, in peat swamps and slow blackwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent community centerpiece that does not bully anything. Pair it with peaceful schoolers such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/neon-tetra-paracheirodon-innesi-freshwater\"\u003eNeon Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/cardinal-tetra-paracheirodon-axelrodi-freshwater\"\u003eCardinal Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/brilliant-rummy-nose-tetra-hemigrammus-bleheri-freshwater\"\u003eRummy Nose Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/brilliant-rasbora-rasbora-borapetensis-freshwater\"\u003eBrilliant Rasboras\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/cherry-barb-puntius-titteya-freshwater\"\u003eCherry Barbs\u003c\/a\u003e. Along the bottom, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sterbai-cory-corydoras-sterbai-freshwater\"\u003eSterbai Corys\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/skunk-cory-corydoras-arcuatus-freshwater\"\u003eSkunk Corys\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-kuhli-loach-pangio-oblonga-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Kuhli Loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, and an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otocinclus-vittatus-freshwater-algae-eater\"\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e all work well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to avoid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fin nippers are the real problem. Those long thread-like pelvic feelers are an obvious target and tiger barbs will shred them. Skip anything large or boisterous enough to intimidate a slow feeder, and be careful with dwarf shrimp: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e are usually fine at full size, but a five inch gourami will eat shrimplets and smaller cherry shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping more than one.\u003c\/strong\u003e A single male with two or three females is the classic setup. Two males in the same tank will display and chase, especially in a tank under 40 gallons or when a female is present, so give them room and sight breaks if you want a group. We also carry the smaller \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/honey-gourami-trichogaster-chuna-freshwater\"\u003eHoney Gourami\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/dwarf-gourami-male-trichogaster-lalius-freshwater\"\u003eDwarf Gourami\u003c\/a\u003e, plus the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/blue-gourami-trichopodus-trichopterus-freshwater\"\u003eBlue Gourami\u003c\/a\u003e, all different species with their own temperaments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tetra-tetramin-tropical-flakes\"\u003eTetra TetraMin Tropical Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e as a staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-community-crave-krill-spirulina-flakes\"\u003eXtreme Community Crave Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ocean-nutrition-frozen-brine-shrimp-plus\"\u003eFrozen Brine Shrimp Plus\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-mini-bloodworms-cube-1-75oz\"\u003eMini Bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e as treats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anubias-nana-anubias-barteri-nana-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnubias Nana\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/java-moss-taxiphyllum-barbieri-freshwater-moss\"\u003eJava Moss\u003c\/a\u003e for cover and confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA dechlorinator from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/maintenance-water-care\"\u003ewater care shelf\u003c\/a\u003e for every water change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I tell males from females?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo easy tells once they mature. The male's dorsal fin is longer and comes to a point, while the female's is shorter and rounded, and the male develops the orange red throat and breast that the female lacks. Males are also a little slimmer. Young fish of both sexes look much the same, so give them time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMine is pale and hiding. Is something wrong?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually it is the tank, not the fish. Pearl Gouramis wash out under bright light in an open layout. Add plants, floating cover, and a dimmer light, keep the flow gentle, and the pearl spotting and red throat come up over the following weeks. A newly moved fish also needs a few days to settle before it colors up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the long thread-like fins?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eModified pelvic fins that work as touch and taste organs. In murky wild water they let the fish feel out its surroundings, and in the aquarium you will see them constantly probing plants and decor. They are delicate, which is exactly why fin nippers are such a poor match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it really eat hydra?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, and it is one of the few reliable options. Pearl Gouramis pick hydra off the glass and plants, and they will take planaria as well. That does not replace fixing the overfeeding that caused the outbreak, but it helps a lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they build bubble nests?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMales often do, especially in a calm, well planted tank with warm water and a snug lid. It is a sign of a comfortable fish rather than a problem, and you do not need to act on it unless you want to try breeding them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48079349416155,"sku":"FW1-F1157","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/f7b6b686-3e15-480e-a4ce-9049f055a877.png?v=1786706108","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pearl-gourami-trichopodus-leerii-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}