{"product_id":"sparkling-gourami-trichopsis-pumila-freshwater","title":"Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)","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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSparkling Gourami\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eTrichopsis pumila\u003c\/em\u003e), also sold as the Pygmy Gourami, is one of the best true nano fish in the hobby. At about an inch and a half fully grown it is a whole gourami shrunk down for small planted tanks: a warm golden tan body dusted with iridescent blue and green speckles, fins edged in red, and striking electric blue eyes that catch the light as it drifts through the plants. It is peaceful, curious, and has one party trick most fish do not, it croaks. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to build a nano community around it.\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 10 gallons for a group of four to six. A single pair can live in a well planted 5 gallon, but a small group in a 10 shows far more natural behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant it densely:\u003c\/strong\u003e this fish comes from weedy ditches, ponds, and rice paddies in Southeast Asia and it only sparkles when it feels hidden. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/java-moss-taxiphyllum-barbieri-freshwater-moss\"\u003eJava Moss\u003c\/a\u003e, stem plants, and a floating cover such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/salvinia-minima-water-spangles-floating-plant\"\u003eSalvinia\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/frogbit-portion-cup-limnobium-spongia\"\u003eFrogbit\u003c\/a\u003e make the difference between a fish that hides and a fish that shows off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow flow only:\u003c\/strong\u003e they are built for still water. A strong filter outflow wears them out, so baffle the output or use a gentle sponge filter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurface access:\u003c\/strong\u003e like all gouramis and bettas, they breathe air from the surface with a labyrinth organ. Keep a small air gap under the lid and do not let floating plants cover every inch of the surface.\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, slightly acidic water with a few \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003ecatappa leaves\u003c\/a\u003e brings out the best color, but stable parameters matter more than exact numbers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e a micropredator with a tiny mouth. Offer small foods such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-nano-slow-sinking-pellets-nano-fish-food\"\u003eXtreme Nano Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e, plus frozen \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-frozen-baby-brine-shrimp\"\u003ebaby brine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e a few times a week. Some newly imported fish ignore dry food at first, and frozen foods win them over.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlow eaters:\u003c\/strong\u003e they pick at food carefully. In a tank with fast, greedy fish, make sure some food actually reaches them.\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\u003cem\u003eTrichopsis pumila\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;\"\u003eSparkling Gourami, Pygmy Gourami, Dwarf Croaking 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, in a calm planted tank\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 and somewhat shy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 1.5 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e4 to 6 recommended\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;\"\u003e10 gallons for a group\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 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;\"\u003eMicropredator, small pellets and frozen foods\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 5 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;\"\u003eMekong and Chao Phraya basins: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater\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\u003eThink small and calm. Sparkling Gouramis do best with other nano fish that will not outcompete them at feeding time, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ember-tetra-hyphessobrycon-amandae-freshwater\"\u003eEmber Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/micro-tiger-rasbora-danio-erythromicron-freshwater\"\u003eMicro Tiger Rasboras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kubotai-rasbora-microdevario-kubotai-freshwater\"\u003eKubotai Rasboras\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/clown-killifish-epiplatys-annulatus-freshwater-nano\"\u003eClown Killifish\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otocinclus-vittatus-freshwater-algae-eater\"\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kuhli-loach\"\u003eKuhli Loaches\u003c\/a\u003e keep to the glass and floor without bothering them. In a 20 gallon, a group can share the tank with a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/honey-gourami-trichogaster-chuna-freshwater\"\u003eHoney Gourami\u003c\/a\u003e, the other famously gentle gourami.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp and snails.\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, adult \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/rili-red-shrimp-neocaridina-davidi-freshwater\"\u003eNeocaridina\u003c\/a\u003e, and nerite snails are safe. Newborn shrimplets are bite sized, so a shrimp colony will still grow in a heavily mossed tank but expect some losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to avoid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Male bettas and larger gouramis, which can bully a fish this small. Fin nippers such as tiger barbs. Fast, boisterous eaters like big danios and most livebearers in a small tank, since the gourami will go hungry. Anything with a mouth large enough to swallow a 1.5 inch fish.\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\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e, sized for a tiny mouth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-nano-slow-sinking-pellets-nano-fish-food\"\u003eXtreme Nano Slow-Sinking Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e for a daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-frozen-baby-brine-shrimp\"\u003eHikari Bio-Pure Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e to tempt picky eaters and bring out color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/java-moss-taxiphyllum-barbieri-freshwater-moss\"\u003eJava Moss\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/salvinia-minima-water-spangles-floating-plant\"\u003eSalvinia\u003c\/a\u003e for cover and dimmed light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003eFritz Catappa Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e for gentle tannins and a natural look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-prime-complete-concentrated-water-conditioner\"\u003eSeachem Prime\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\u003eDo they really croak?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. \u003cem\u003eTrichopsis\u003c\/em\u003e gouramis make a soft clicking or croaking sound using specialized tendons in their pectoral fins, mostly when males display at each other or during courtship. In a quiet room you can sometimes hear it right through the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep just one?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can, and it will be peaceful, but a single fish tends to stay hidden. A group of four to six is far more confident and lets you watch the little flaring displays and chasing that make this species fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I tell males from females?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt takes a close look. Males usually have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins and somewhat stronger color. Mature females often show pale developing eggs through the belly when lit from behind. Most are sold unsexed, and a group of several almost always includes both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMine look dull in the store tank. Will they color up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually, yes. The blue speckles and red fin edges show best in a dim, planted tank on a dark background. Bright light over bare gravel washes them out, and color typically improves within a couple of weeks once they settle in at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSparkling Gourami or Honey Gourami?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth are gentle. The Honey Gourami is larger at about 2 inches, bolder, and easier to see across a community tank. The Sparkling Gourami is the better pick for a true nano tank of 10 gallons or less, and for anyone who wants the croaking and the jewel-like speckles up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49318821724379,"sku":"FW1-F3772","price":3.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_d5bc0c8d-8c4d-46b0-8224-0603f7988b20.jpg?v=1789597521","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sparkling-gourami-trichopsis-pumila-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}