How to Keep a Pearl Gourami

Pearl gouramis (trichogaster leeri) are labyrinth fish that grow to 4 inches in length. They are one of the most easygoing fish kept in the community aquarium and can be shy with aggressive species. Labyrinth fish breathe atmospheric air, so they frequently swim in the upper third of the tank and make frequent trips to the waterline to gulp air. This is natural for them and an interesting behavior to watch. When pearl gouramis breed, the male makes a nest of bubbles to protect the floating eggs. This is a rare treat for the aquarist to observe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquarium (at least 15 Gallons)
• Tight-fitting lid
• Heater
• Filter

1. Select Pearl gouramis that are deep-bodied and colorful with intact fins and a curious and alert demeanor. Fish that stay hidden, shimmy or have torn fins from being bullied are poor choices. Even stressed in a retailer's tank, pearl gouramis should have distinctive pearl-like spotting on their bodies and show an interest in their environment.

2. Check the retailer's tank carefully for signs of trouble like dead fish or decaying matter on the bottom of the tank. Pass on fish that look healthy, but are housed in a tank that shows that it has been neglected or has housed sick fish.

3. Provide pearl gouramis with a tank that sustains a temperature between 74 degrees F and 82 degrees F. Water with a neutral pH will work well. Water is less of a consideration with labyrinth fish than with other fish species, but providing clean water that maintains a consistent temperature and is kept free of decaying food and vegetable matter is a good practice when keeping any fish.

4. Dim the lights in tanks containing pearl gouramis, or increase the amount of floating vegetation to create a shaded environment where they will be more comfortable.

5. Give gouramis lots of hiding places. Floating plants are great, as are decorative features, like caves.

6. Keep a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium at all times. Since gouramis breathe air, it's important to create and maintain a warm temperature in the air space just above the waterline to avoid chilling them when they come up for air. A lid will serve a dual purpose, since gouramis can be jumpers.

7. Offer pearl gouramis live food, like brine shrimp, to supplement a diet of regular small feedings of a quality flaked food. Since gouramis are omnivorous, provide them with some algae in the aquarium, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle pearl gouramis carefully when moving them from tank to tank. Make sure that the net you are using is large enough to cradle the fish comfortably and that it is deep enough to trap the fish if he tries to jump out. To protect the fish from a reflexive jump, place your wet hand over the top of the net once the fish is safely inside.
• It's important to select healthy fish, particularly when you are placing new specimens directly into a community tank without putting them in quarantine first. Sick fish can spread disease quickly, so it's better to be safe and only choose fish you know are healthy. One way to help ensure that you are buying healthy fish is to know your fish supplier and purchase from one or two reliable sources.
• Never turn an aquarium light on in a dark room. This will startle fish and may make them rush to hide and accidentally hurt themselves by hitting the filter, glass or other fish. Always turn the room light on first and give the fish 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the increased light before turning on the aquarium light.