Sparkling Gourami

Description

Sparkling Gourami

The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila), also known as the Pygmy Gourami, is a charming and peaceful freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a small, low-maintenance species with unique behaviors.

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🐟 Appearance & Size

• Size: Typically grows to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length.

• Coloration: Features a translucent body with iridescent blue and green spots, giving it a sparkling appearance.

• Fins: Males often have more elongated fins and brighter coloration compared to females.​Fish Laboratory

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🌿 Habitat & Tank Setup

• Origin: Found in slow-moving waters, swamps, and rice paddies across Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended, but larger tanks are preferable.

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.0

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • Hardness: 8–12 dGH

• Aquascaping: Provide dense planting, floating vegetation, and hiding spots like driftwood and caves. A well-planted tank with a soft substrate and floating plants like duckweed or water lettuce mimics their natural environment and promotes comfort.

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🧬 Behavior & Social Needs

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; they thrive in calm, well-planted aquariums.

• Social Structure: Best kept in pairs or small groups (3–6 individuals).

• Activity: They are bottom to mid-level swimmers and appreciate a tranquil environment.

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🐠 Tank Mates

• Compatible Species:

  • Small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish.

  • Other nano fish such as guppies and otocinclus.

• Incompatible Species:

  • Avoid keeping with aggressive or larger fish, as Sparkling Gouramis are timid and may become stressed or bullied.

  • Not suitable for tanks with small shrimp, as they may prey on them.

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🥗 Diet

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flake or pellet foods.

• Treats: Occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms are beneficial.

• Feeding Tips: Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

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🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Setup: Use a separate breeding tank with a tight-fitting lid to maintain humidity for the developing fry.

• Bubble Nesting: Males build bubble nests beneath floating leaves or other surfaces. They court females by displaying and producing a croaking sound.

• Spawning: After mating, males guard the eggs in the nest until they hatch.

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🧼 Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate. Requires a stable, well-planted environment with consistent water parameters.

• Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years with proper care.​

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🛒 Availability in South Africa

Sparkling Gouramis are occasionally available at specialized aquarium stores in South Africa.