Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Description

Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Bright, peaceful and full of personality, the Dwarf Gourami is one of the most iconic freshwater aquarium fish. Renowned for its brilliant metallic blue and fiery orange-red stripes, this compact labyrinth fish brings colour, curiosity and elegance to planted community aquariums without requiring a large tank.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
  • Common name: Dwarf Gourami
  • Current size: Approximately 4–5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 6–8 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Social needs: Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a colourful centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You keep peaceful community fish.
  • You enjoy interactive fish with inquisitive personalities.
  • You have floating plants and gentle water movement.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping species.
  • You plan to house multiple adult males in a small aquarium.
  • Your aquarium has excessive current.
  • You keep very large or boisterous fish.

Why choose Dwarf Gouramis?

The Dwarf Gourami has remained one of the world's most popular tropical fish for decades thanks to its incredible colours and gentle nature. Males display brilliant iridescent blue bands intertwined with vibrant orange to deep red stripes, creating a spectacular display under aquarium lighting.

As labyrinth fish, Dwarf Gouramis possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They frequently visit the surface for a quick gulp of air and use their long thread-like pelvic fins to explore their surroundings, adding to their charming personality.

Their calm temperament makes them ideal centrepiece fish for peaceful community aquariums, where they spend much of their time cruising through plants and investigating every corner of the aquarium.

Benefits

  • Brilliant blue and red colouration
  • Excellent centrepiece fish for smaller aquariums
  • Peaceful and community friendly
  • Interactive and inquisitive personality
  • Suitable for planted aquariums
  • Hardy and beginner friendly when sourced from healthy stock

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.8
  • Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable with gentle filtration
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Dense plants, floating plants, driftwood and open swimming areas
  • Provide calm surface areas, as Dwarf Gouramis regularly breathe atmospheric air.
  • Maintain excellent water quality and minimise sudden temperature changes to support long-term health.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Kuhli Loaches
NTA Insight:
The Dwarf Gourami is one of the best feature fish for peaceful planted aquariums, but quality matters. At NTA, we recommend introducing them into mature, stable aquariums with gentle water movement, plenty of plants and a varied diet. Floating plants help these labyrinth fish feel secure and encourage natural behaviour, while high-quality nutrition keeps their colours vibrant.

FAQ

Why do Dwarf Gouramis swim to the surface?

Dwarf Gouramis possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Regular trips to the surface are completely normal.

Can multiple Dwarf Gouramis be kept together?

Yes, but care should be taken. In smaller aquariums, keep a single male or a compatible pair. In larger aquariums, one male with multiple females generally works best, as adult males can become territorial toward one another.

Are Dwarf Gouramis peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish and mix well with other calm species that won't nip their fins.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp are often ignored, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do they need floating plants?

Floating plants are not essential but are highly recommended, as they provide shelter, diffuse bright lighting and help these fish feel secure.

Are Dwarf Gouramis suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are an excellent choice for beginners when kept in a mature aquarium with stable water conditions and compatible tank mates.

How long do Dwarf Gouramis live?

With excellent care, a varied diet and stable water quality, Dwarf Gouramis typically live for 4–6 years.

Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
πŸ“ In-Store Locations: TT23
πŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 12 April 2026

1 in stock  

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

    Bright, peaceful and full of personality, the Dwarf Gourami is one of the most iconic freshwater aquarium fish. Renowned for its brilliant metallic blue and fiery orange-red stripes, this compact labyrinth fish brings colour, curiosity and elegance to planted community aquariums without requiring a large tank.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius
    • Common name: Dwarf Gourami
    • Current size: Approximately 4–5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 6–8 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Social needs: Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a colourful centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You keep peaceful community fish.
    • You enjoy interactive fish with inquisitive personalities.
    • You have floating plants and gentle water movement.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping species.
    • You plan to house multiple adult males in a small aquarium.
    • Your aquarium has excessive current.
    • You keep very large or boisterous fish.

    Why choose Dwarf Gouramis?

    The Dwarf Gourami has remained one of the world's most popular tropical fish for decades thanks to its incredible colours and gentle nature. Males display brilliant iridescent blue bands intertwined with vibrant orange to deep red stripes, creating a spectacular display under aquarium lighting.

    As labyrinth fish, Dwarf Gouramis possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They frequently visit the surface for a quick gulp of air and use their long thread-like pelvic fins to explore their surroundings, adding to their charming personality.

    Their calm temperament makes them ideal centrepiece fish for peaceful community aquariums, where they spend much of their time cruising through plants and investigating every corner of the aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant blue and red colouration
    • Excellent centrepiece fish for smaller aquariums
    • Peaceful and community friendly
    • Interactive and inquisitive personality
    • Suitable for planted aquariums
    • Hardy and beginner friendly when sourced from healthy stock

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.8
    • Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable with gentle filtration
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Dense plants, floating plants, driftwood and open swimming areas
    • Provide calm surface areas, as Dwarf Gouramis regularly breathe atmospheric air.
    • Maintain excellent water quality and minimise sudden temperature changes to support long-term health.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Kuhli Loaches
    NTA Insight:
    The Dwarf Gourami is one of the best feature fish for peaceful planted aquariums, but quality matters. At NTA, we recommend introducing them into mature, stable aquariums with gentle water movement, plenty of plants and a varied diet. Floating plants help these labyrinth fish feel secure and encourage natural behaviour, while high-quality nutrition keeps their colours vibrant.

    FAQ

    Why do Dwarf Gouramis swim to the surface?

    Dwarf Gouramis possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Regular trips to the surface are completely normal.

    Can multiple Dwarf Gouramis be kept together?

    Yes, but care should be taken. In smaller aquariums, keep a single male or a compatible pair. In larger aquariums, one male with multiple females generally works best, as adult males can become territorial toward one another.

    Are Dwarf Gouramis peaceful?

    Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish and mix well with other calm species that won't nip their fins.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp are often ignored, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

    Do they need floating plants?

    Floating plants are not essential but are highly recommended, as they provide shelter, diffuse bright lighting and help these fish feel secure.

    Are Dwarf Gouramis suitable for beginners?

    Yes. They are an excellent choice for beginners when kept in a mature aquarium with stable water conditions and compatible tank mates.

    How long do Dwarf Gouramis live?

    With excellent care, a varied diet and stable water quality, Dwarf Gouramis typically live for 4–6 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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