Pearl Gourami Care Guide 2025: The Best Fish for Calm Aquariums
Searching for an elegant and calm freshwater fish? The Pearl Gourami is just perfect for your 2025 aquarium! Find out more about their care, tank mates, diet, and breeding in this complete guide.
The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is possibly the most lovely and peaceful fish for freshwater aquariums. It shines with body, fins ripple, and good-natured disposition to impress aquarium fish fans. As a beginner or expert fishkeeper, this article will help you provide the best possible care to these fascinating fish in 2025.
Pearl Gourami Bio Table
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Trichopodus leerii |
| Common Names | Pearl Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Lace Gourami |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Size | 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful, social |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Breeding | Bubble nest builder |
| Ideal pH | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Water Temperature | 77-81°F (25-27°C) |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| Best Tank Mates | Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Mollies |
| Avoid | Aggressive fish like Cichlids and Bettas |
Pearl Gourami Appearance
Pearl Gourami is one of the most impressive fish in aquarium keeping. They are so called due to the white spots on their body that look like pearls. The male fish boasts a deep orange-red gular area, which deepens in color as a breeding sign. Females and males both have well-proportioned, long dorsal fins that they use to navigate in water.
Peaceful and social, they are well adapted to community tanks. Males, when in small tanks, tend to be territorial, especially during breeding time. They love to explore and swim on a regular basis. Despite being for the most part non-aggressive, combine them with fin-nipping or overly aggressive fish at your own risk.
Pearl Gourami Major Behavior Traits:
Peaceful but will be territorial if kept in small tanks.
Like swimming mid-to-top area of the tank.
Prefers other peaceful fish company.
Breeding males will chase females but are not very aggressive.
Pearl Gouramis Water Parameters
They require good water conditions to thrive. Below are the preferred parameters:
Parameter:Ideal Range
Temperature:77-81°F (25-27°C)
pH Level:5.5 – 7.5
Water Hardness:4-15 dGH
Ammonia & Nitrites:0 ppm
Nitrates:Less than 20 ppm
Use soft to moderately hard water.
Perform a weekly water change (25-30%).
Use a weak filter as strong currents stress them.
Live plants like Java Fern and Anubias help maintain good water quality.
Best Tank Mates for Pearl Gouramis
Pearl Gourami is comfortable in a community aquarium with other peaceful fish. Good tank mates are:
Great Tank Mates:
Small Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Ember)
Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili Rasbora)
Corydoras Catfish
Mollies
Guppies
These fish share the same water requirements and will not bother your Pearl Gouramis.
Tank Mates to Avoid:
Some fish are too nippy or aggressive. Avoid:
Bettas (aggressive & territorial)
Cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys, African Cichlids)
Tiger Barbs (fin-nippers)
Red-Tailed Sharks (territorial)
Large predatory fish like Arowanas
Diet & Feeding Guide
The Pearl Gourami is an omnivore and thus eats plant and meaty foods.
Best Foods for Pearl Gouramis:
Pellets & Flakes (high-quality tropical fish food)
Live/Frozen Foods (Bloodworms, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp)
Vegetables (Blanched zucchini, peas, spinach)
Feeding Tips:
Feed twice a day.
Feed only as much as they can eat in 2 minutes.
Don’t overfeed, which will sicken them and soil the tank.
Breeding Pearl Gouramis
Breeding Pearl Gouramis can be a real excitement!
Steps for Successful Breeding:
Set up a breeding tank (10-15 gallons) with shallow, warm water.
Include some floating plants like Water Lettuce on which the male can build a bubble nest.
Include a pair (1 male, 1 female) and feed them high-protein.
The male builds the nest and courts the female.
After spawning is finished, take out the female since the male will be watching over the eggs.
Fry hatch within 24-48 hours and are fed infusoria or baby brine shrimp.
Common Health Issues
Pearl Gouramis are hardy fish but are prone to some diseases:
Common Diseases & Prevention:
Disease
Symptoms
Prevention
Fin Rot
Tattered fins, redness
Clean water, antibiotics if severe
Ich
White spots on the body
Supply stable temperature, use medication
Velvet
Gold dust appearance
Improve water quality, use anti-parasitic medication
Daily changes of water, good diet, and quarantine for new fish will prevent most problems.
Conclusion
The Pearl Gourami is a beautiful, peaceful, and low-maintenance fish, suitable for both beginner and expert aquarists. Good water parameters, tank mates, and feeding will keep them happy for 5-7 years. With their peaceful demeanor and stunning looks, they can be an exquisite centerpiece for any community aquarium.
If you’re looking for a stunning, low-maintenance fish for your 2025 aquarium, the Pearl Gourami is the perfect choice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Pearl Gouramis can be Kept in Groups?
It’s best to keep at least 3-5 Pearl Gouramis in a group, with a higher number of females than males to avoid aggression.
Do Pearl Gouramis Need an Air Pump?
Not necessarily. They are labyrinth fish and can breathe from the surface, but good water circulation is still required.
Can Pearl Gouramis be Kept with Bettas?
It’s not recommended, as both species are territorial and can fight.
