Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

Description

Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

Graceful, peaceful and beautifully iridescent, the Pearl Gourami is one of the most elegant freshwater fish available. Covered in shimmering pearl-like spots with a striking black stripe and delicate flowing fins, this timeless species brings colour, personality and tranquillity to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii
  • Common name: Pearl Gourami
  • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 10–12 cm
  • Tank size: 100L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful and gentle
  • Minimum group: Pair or group of 4+ recommended

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want an elegant centrepiece fish for a planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy calm, peaceful fish with fascinating behaviour.
  • You have a well-planted aquarium with gentle water movement.
  • You appreciate fish that become even more colourful as they mature.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping species.
  • Your aquarium lacks plants or hiding places.
  • You want a highly active schooling fish.
  • You keep very boisterous tank mates that may outcompete them at feeding time.

Why choose Pearl Gouramis?

Often regarded as one of the most beautiful gouramis, the Pearl Gourami combines elegance with an exceptionally peaceful personality. Its body is covered with hundreds of tiny iridescent spots that shimmer like pearls under aquarium lighting, while a bold black stripe runs from the snout to the tail, adding dramatic contrast.

Mature males develop brilliant orange to deep red colouring across the throat and chest during breeding condition, creating one of the most impressive displays among labyrinth fish. Their long, thread-like pelvic fins are constantly used to explore their surroundings, giving them an inquisitive and endearing personality.

Unlike many gourami species, Pearl Gouramis are generally tolerant of one another and are excellent companions for peaceful community fish, making them one of the safest choices for larger planted aquariums.

Benefits

  • Beautiful pearl-like iridescent spotting
  • Peaceful temperament ideal for community aquariums
  • Males develop vibrant orange-red breeding colours
  • Excellent centrepiece fish for planted tanks
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Fascinating labyrinth fish behaviour

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–29Β°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.8
  • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable with gentle water movement
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Dense plants, floating plants, driftwood and open swimming areas
  • Leave calm areas at the surface as Pearl Gouramis breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ.
  • Feed a varied diet to maximise colour, health and breeding condition.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Kuhli Loaches
NTA Insight:
Pearl Gouramis are one of the few larger gourami species that combine striking beauty with a genuinely peaceful temperament. They thrive in mature planted aquariums where floating plants soften the lighting and provide security. At NTA, we recommend allowing some floating vegetation and gentle filtration, as these conditions encourage their natural behaviour and bring out the spectacular colours of mature males.

FAQ

Are Pearl Gouramis peaceful?

Yes. They are among the most peaceful gourami species and are excellent additions to calm community aquariums with similarly gentle fish.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Mature males develop a bright orange to deep red throat and chest, longer pointed dorsal fins and generally more vibrant colours. Females are rounder-bodied with more subdued colouring.

Do Pearl Gouramis need floating plants?

Floating plants are not essential but are highly recommended. They provide shade, reduce stress and create ideal conditions for natural behaviour and bubble nest building.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp are usually ignored, although very small shrimplets may be eaten opportunistically.

Why do Pearl Gouramis come to the surface?

Like all labyrinth fish, they possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Regular visits to the surface are completely normal.

Are Pearl Gouramis suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Their peaceful temperament, hardiness and straightforward care requirements make them one of the best gouramis for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

How long do Pearl Gouramis live?

With excellent water quality, a varied diet and a low-stress environment, Pearl Gouramis commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

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Out of stock,  

$20.00  $10.00


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    Description

    Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

    Graceful, peaceful and beautifully iridescent, the Pearl Gourami is one of the most elegant freshwater fish available. Covered in shimmering pearl-like spots with a striking black stripe and delicate flowing fins, this timeless species brings colour, personality and tranquillity to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii
    • Common name: Pearl Gourami
    • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 10–12 cm
    • Tank size: 100L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful and gentle
    • Minimum group: Pair or group of 4+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want an elegant centrepiece fish for a planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy calm, peaceful fish with fascinating behaviour.
    • You have a well-planted aquarium with gentle water movement.
    • You appreciate fish that become even more colourful as they mature.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping species.
    • Your aquarium lacks plants or hiding places.
    • You want a highly active schooling fish.
    • You keep very boisterous tank mates that may outcompete them at feeding time.

    Why choose Pearl Gouramis?

    Often regarded as one of the most beautiful gouramis, the Pearl Gourami combines elegance with an exceptionally peaceful personality. Its body is covered with hundreds of tiny iridescent spots that shimmer like pearls under aquarium lighting, while a bold black stripe runs from the snout to the tail, adding dramatic contrast.

    Mature males develop brilliant orange to deep red colouring across the throat and chest during breeding condition, creating one of the most impressive displays among labyrinth fish. Their long, thread-like pelvic fins are constantly used to explore their surroundings, giving them an inquisitive and endearing personality.

    Unlike many gourami species, Pearl Gouramis are generally tolerant of one another and are excellent companions for peaceful community fish, making them one of the safest choices for larger planted aquariums.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful pearl-like iridescent spotting
    • Peaceful temperament ideal for community aquariums
    • Males develop vibrant orange-red breeding colours
    • Excellent centrepiece fish for planted tanks
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Fascinating labyrinth fish behaviour

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–29Β°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.8
    • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable with gentle water movement
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Dense plants, floating plants, driftwood and open swimming areas
    • Leave calm areas at the surface as Pearl Gouramis breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ.
    • Feed a varied diet to maximise colour, health and breeding condition.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Kuhli Loaches
    NTA Insight:
    Pearl Gouramis are one of the few larger gourami species that combine striking beauty with a genuinely peaceful temperament. They thrive in mature planted aquariums where floating plants soften the lighting and provide security. At NTA, we recommend allowing some floating vegetation and gentle filtration, as these conditions encourage their natural behaviour and bring out the spectacular colours of mature males.

    FAQ

    Are Pearl Gouramis peaceful?

    Yes. They are among the most peaceful gourami species and are excellent additions to calm community aquariums with similarly gentle fish.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Mature males develop a bright orange to deep red throat and chest, longer pointed dorsal fins and generally more vibrant colours. Females are rounder-bodied with more subdued colouring.

    Do Pearl Gouramis need floating plants?

    Floating plants are not essential but are highly recommended. They provide shade, reduce stress and create ideal conditions for natural behaviour and bubble nest building.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp are usually ignored, although very small shrimplets may be eaten opportunistically.

    Why do Pearl Gouramis come to the surface?

    Like all labyrinth fish, they possess a specialised labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Regular visits to the surface are completely normal.

    Are Pearl Gouramis suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely. Their peaceful temperament, hardiness and straightforward care requirements make them one of the best gouramis for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

    How long do Pearl Gouramis live?

    With excellent water quality, a varied diet and a low-stress environment, Pearl Gouramis commonly live between 5 and 8 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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