Moonlight Gourami Trichogaster microlepis

Description

Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis)

Graceful, elegant and shimmering with a beautiful silver glow, the Moonlight Gourami is one of the most underrated centrepiece fish for peaceful community aquariums. Its calm nature and striking metallic appearance make it a favourite among planted aquarium enthusiasts.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Trichopodus microlepis
  • Common name: Moonlight Gourami
  • Adult size: 12–15 cm
  • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Individually, pairs or small groups

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want a graceful centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You enjoy peaceful community fish with elegant colours.
  • You're looking for a hardy labyrinth fish.
  • You appreciate calm fish that become more confident over time.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping fish.
  • Your aquarium is small or overcrowded.
  • You prefer fast-moving, highly active species.
  • You cannot provide hiding places with plants or driftwood.

Why choose Moonlight Gourami?

Named for its soft silver sheen, the Moonlight Gourami displays an elegant metallic body that reflects light beautifully throughout the aquarium. Mature males develop striking orange to reddish pelvic fins, adding an extra splash of colour to their otherwise understated appearance.

Native to the slow-moving waters of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, Moonlight Gouramis thrive in planted aquariums with gentle water movement and floating vegetation. Their calm swimming style and peaceful temperament make them excellent companions for a wide range of community fish.

Like all gouramis, they possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, making them fascinating fish to observe as they occasionally visit the water's surface.

Benefits

  • Beautiful shimmering silver body
  • Excellent peaceful centrepiece fish
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Ideal for planted community aquariums
  • Interesting labyrinth fish behaviour
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen foods, live foods and vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
  • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants, driftwood and open swimming space
  • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Pearl Gouramis
  • Rainbowfish
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Bristlenose Catfish
NTA Insight:
Moonlight Gouramis are often overlooked because their colours appear subtle under shop lighting. Once settled into a mature planted aquarium with dark substrate and natural lighting, their beautiful metallic silver body becomes truly stunning. Males also develop vibrant orange pelvic fins as they mature, making them even more impressive.

FAQ

How big do Moonlight Gouramis grow?

Most adults reach between 12–15 cm, making them ideal centrepiece fish for medium to large aquariums.

Are Moonlight Gouramis peaceful?

Yes. They are generally very peaceful and make excellent community fish when housed with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates.

Do Moonlight Gouramis need plants?

While they can survive without heavy planting, they thrive in aquariums with live plants, floating vegetation and shaded areas that help them feel secure.

Do they need a heater?

Yes. Moonlight Gouramis are tropical fish and should be maintained between 24–30Β°C using a quality aquarium heater.

How can I tell males from females?

Males usually develop brighter orange to reddish pelvic fins and have a slightly more pointed dorsal fin, while females tend to have a fuller body shape.

Moonlight Gourami Trichogaster microlepis

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$15.00


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    Description

    Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis)

    Graceful, elegant and shimmering with a beautiful silver glow, the Moonlight Gourami is one of the most underrated centrepiece fish for peaceful community aquariums. Its calm nature and striking metallic appearance make it a favourite among planted aquarium enthusiasts.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Trichopodus microlepis
    • Common name: Moonlight Gourami
    • Adult size: 12–15 cm
    • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Individually, pairs or small groups

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want a graceful centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You enjoy peaceful community fish with elegant colours.
    • You're looking for a hardy labyrinth fish.
    • You appreciate calm fish that become more confident over time.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping fish.
    • Your aquarium is small or overcrowded.
    • You prefer fast-moving, highly active species.
    • You cannot provide hiding places with plants or driftwood.

    Why choose Moonlight Gourami?

    Named for its soft silver sheen, the Moonlight Gourami displays an elegant metallic body that reflects light beautifully throughout the aquarium. Mature males develop striking orange to reddish pelvic fins, adding an extra splash of colour to their otherwise understated appearance.

    Native to the slow-moving waters of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, Moonlight Gouramis thrive in planted aquariums with gentle water movement and floating vegetation. Their calm swimming style and peaceful temperament make them excellent companions for a wide range of community fish.

    Like all gouramis, they possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, making them fascinating fish to observe as they occasionally visit the water's surface.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful shimmering silver body
    • Excellent peaceful centrepiece fish
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Ideal for planted community aquariums
    • Interesting labyrinth fish behaviour
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen foods, live foods and vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable and gently filtered
    • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants, driftwood and open swimming space
    • Perform weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Pearl Gouramis
    • Rainbowfish
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Corydoras
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    NTA Insight:
    Moonlight Gouramis are often overlooked because their colours appear subtle under shop lighting. Once settled into a mature planted aquarium with dark substrate and natural lighting, their beautiful metallic silver body becomes truly stunning. Males also develop vibrant orange pelvic fins as they mature, making them even more impressive.

    FAQ

    How big do Moonlight Gouramis grow?

    Most adults reach between 12–15 cm, making them ideal centrepiece fish for medium to large aquariums.

    Are Moonlight Gouramis peaceful?

    Yes. They are generally very peaceful and make excellent community fish when housed with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates.

    Do Moonlight Gouramis need plants?

    While they can survive without heavy planting, they thrive in aquariums with live plants, floating vegetation and shaded areas that help them feel secure.

    Do they need a heater?

    Yes. Moonlight Gouramis are tropical fish and should be maintained between 24–30Β°C using a quality aquarium heater.

    How can I tell males from females?

    Males usually develop brighter orange to reddish pelvic fins and have a slightly more pointed dorsal fin, while females tend to have a fuller body shape.

    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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