All fish / Osphronemidae

Sparkling Gourami

Trichopsis pumila

Also known as pygmy gourami, dwarf croaking gourami, sparkling gouramy, pygmy croaking gourami, sparkling gourami, ปลากัดหม้อ, スパークリンググラミー, sepat kerdil, 小丽丽, 珍珠丽丽, 闪光丽丽

A tiny labyrinth fish with a brownish body flecked with iridescent blue and red spots and bright blue edged fins that shimmer under good lighting. It suits planted nano tanks and is known for the soft croaking sounds males make during displays.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

30 litres

Keep as

A pair or small group of 4 to 6, ideally more females than males

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp and grindal worms, plus fine flakes or micro pellets

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Sumatra (Mekong and Chao Phraya basins)

Breeding

Males build small bubble nests, often beneath a leaf or in a cave, and guard the eggs after spawning. Breeding is fairly achievable in a quiet, well planted tank with warm, soft water, though the fry need infusoria or other very fine foods at first.

Good to know

Very small and shy, so avoid boisterous or large tankmates and keep a tight lid as it gulps warm air at the surface. Easily confused with the larger croaking gourami, Trichopsis vittata.