How big does Pearl Gourami get?

Pearl Gourami reaches an adult standard length of 10–12 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Pearl Gourami need?

24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Pearl Gourami?

At least 100 L, and no shorter than 80 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.

What is Pearl Gourami like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 29Freshwater

Pearl Gourami珍珠马甲

Trichopodus leerii · Osphronemidae

The pearl-spangled gourami and the best community-tank choice in its genus.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 29 · Pearl Gourami Trichopodus leerii

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 珍珠马甲
Scientific name: Trichopodus leerii
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo)
Adult size: 10–12 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Water level: Middle
Level: Beginner
Min. tank: 100 L
Min. length: 80 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.24–28 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness2–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Peaceful and the most community-friendly of the common gouramis.
2Males build bubble nests, so provide floating plants and a calm surface.
3Reasonably tolerant, though water changes should stay within 2 °C of tank temperature.
4Omnivorous at 24-28 °C; at 12 cm it needs an 80 cm tank.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Pearl Gourami get?: Pearl Gourami reaches an adult standard length of 10–12 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Pearl Gourami need?: 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Pearl Gourami?: At least 100 L, and no shorter than 80 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.
What is Pearl Gourami like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".