Balloon Pearl Gourami 4-5cm

Description

Balloon Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

A peaceful, compact-bodied pearl gourami with shimmering spotting, elegant feeler fins and a distinctive rounded balloon form.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii — selectively bred balloon/short-body form
  • Sale size: 4-5cm
  • Adult size: commonly around 8-10cm in balloon forms
  • Temperature: 23-28°C
  • pH: approximately 6.0-7.5
  • Temperament: generally peaceful; males can become territorial with other gouramis
  • Diet: omnivore
  • Tank level: upper to mid-water
  • Care level: easy to moderate

Is this for you?

Choose the Balloon Pearl Gourami if you want a calm feature fish for a planted tropical community aquarium. Its shorter, rounded body gives it a very different look from a standard Pearl Gourami while retaining the characteristic pearl spotting and long sensory fins.

Why choose Balloon Pearl Gourami?

  • Distinctive short-body balloon shape
  • Beautiful pearl-like spotting and dark lateral stripe
  • Generally peaceful community temperament
  • Excellent display fish for planted aquariums
  • Labyrinth fish that regularly visits the surface to breathe air

Benefits

Balloon Pearl Gouramis provide a larger visual focal point without the frantic movement of many schooling fish. Their slower swimming style and preference for calmer water make them particularly attractive in planted community setups.

Care made simple

Keep them in a mature, heated aquarium with gentle filtration, plenty of plant cover and access to the water surface. Avoid aggressive or persistent fin-nipping tank mates. Feed a varied omnivorous diet of quality pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods. Because balloon-bodied fish have a shortened body shape, avoid overfeeding and favour smaller, controlled meals.

Pairs perfectly with

Peaceful rasboras, smaller tetras, Corydoras, suitable loaches and other calm community fish. Avoid boisterous species and known fin nippers.

NTA Insight: Give this fish calm water and plant cover near the surface. Floating plants and shaded areas help them settle quickly and show more natural behaviour.

FAQ

Is this the same as a normal Pearl Gourami?
No. It is a selectively bred short-body or balloon form of Trichopodus leerii.

Can I keep more than one?
Yes, provided the aquarium is appropriately sized and structured, but watch mature males for territorial behaviour.

Are they suitable for a community tank?
Usually yes. Choose peaceful tank mates and avoid fin nippers or aggressive gouramis.

Do they need access to the surface?
Yes. Like other gouramis, they possess a labyrinth organ and need unobstructed access to surface air.

Balloon Pearl Gourami 4-5cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)
📍 In-Store Locations: TT22
📦 Arrival Date: 17 August 2026

5 in stock  

$30.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Balloon Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

    A peaceful, compact-bodied pearl gourami with shimmering spotting, elegant feeler fins and a distinctive rounded balloon form.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii — selectively bred balloon/short-body form
    • Sale size: 4-5cm
    • Adult size: commonly around 8-10cm in balloon forms
    • Temperature: 23-28°C
    • pH: approximately 6.0-7.5
    • Temperament: generally peaceful; males can become territorial with other gouramis
    • Diet: omnivore
    • Tank level: upper to mid-water
    • Care level: easy to moderate

    Is this for you?

    Choose the Balloon Pearl Gourami if you want a calm feature fish for a planted tropical community aquarium. Its shorter, rounded body gives it a very different look from a standard Pearl Gourami while retaining the characteristic pearl spotting and long sensory fins.

    Why choose Balloon Pearl Gourami?

    • Distinctive short-body balloon shape
    • Beautiful pearl-like spotting and dark lateral stripe
    • Generally peaceful community temperament
    • Excellent display fish for planted aquariums
    • Labyrinth fish that regularly visits the surface to breathe air

    Benefits

    Balloon Pearl Gouramis provide a larger visual focal point without the frantic movement of many schooling fish. Their slower swimming style and preference for calmer water make them particularly attractive in planted community setups.

    Care made simple

    Keep them in a mature, heated aquarium with gentle filtration, plenty of plant cover and access to the water surface. Avoid aggressive or persistent fin-nipping tank mates. Feed a varied omnivorous diet of quality pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods. Because balloon-bodied fish have a shortened body shape, avoid overfeeding and favour smaller, controlled meals.

    Pairs perfectly with

    Peaceful rasboras, smaller tetras, Corydoras, suitable loaches and other calm community fish. Avoid boisterous species and known fin nippers.

    NTA Insight: Give this fish calm water and plant cover near the surface. Floating plants and shaded areas help them settle quickly and show more natural behaviour.

    FAQ

    Is this the same as a normal Pearl Gourami?
    No. It is a selectively bred short-body or balloon form of Trichopodus leerii.

    Can I keep more than one?
    Yes, provided the aquarium is appropriately sized and structured, but watch mature males for territorial behaviour.

    Are they suitable for a community tank?
    Usually yes. Choose peaceful tank mates and avoid fin nippers or aggressive gouramis.

    Do they need access to the surface?
    Yes. Like other gouramis, they possess a labyrinth organ and need unobstructed access to surface air.

    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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