Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

The Pearl Gourami is a beautiful and peaceful freshwater labyrinth fish, loved for its pearly white spotting, elegant lace-like patterning and dark horizontal body stripe. Mature males can develop a rich orange to red throat and longer, more pointed fins, making them especially attractive in planted aquariums. Also known as the Lace Gourami or Mosaic Gourami, this species is one of the calmer gouramis and makes an excellent centrepiece fish for a mature peaceful community aquarium.

Common Name:
Pearl Gourami. Also commonly referred to as the Lace Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Leeri Gourami or Diamond Gourami.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Trichopodus leerii
Also commonly referenced in the aquarium trade as Trichogaster leerii.

Maximum Size:
Around 10–12 cm in captivity, with males usually developing longer fins and stronger throat colouration than females.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. In the wild, Pearl Gouramis are associated with lowland swamps, slow-moving streams, densely vegetated waters and acidic swamp habitats with plenty of plant cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with softer, slightly acidic to neutral water preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and generally calm, especially compared with many other gourami species. Males can become territorial with each other, particularly during breeding, so they are best kept with plenty of space, plant cover and careful stocking.

Diet:
Omnivorous. It should be offered a varied diet including quality flake, small floating pellets, micro granules, frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and occasional live foods. It may also take some vegetable-based or spirulina foods as part of a balanced diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 120 litres for a single specimen or pair, with larger aquariums preferred for groups or mixed community setups. A 90 cm aquarium or larger is ideal for long-term care.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a calm mid-to-upper level fish that spends much of its time moving gently through plants, shaded areas and open water. As a labyrinth fish, it can breathe atmospheric air and must always have access to the water surface. It appreciates floating plants, gentle flow and quiet areas away from strong current.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is well suited to peaceful community aquariums with calm tank mates such as rasboras, peaceful tetras, Corydoras, kuhli loaches, small plecos, rainbowfish of suitable temperament and other non-aggressive species. Avoid fin nippers, aggressive cichlids, very boisterous barbs and overly dominant gouramis that may stress or damage its fins.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, well-planted aquarium with stable water quality, gentle filtration, floating plants and subdued areas. Avoid strong surface turbulence, as gouramis prefer calmer surface zones. A secure lid is recommended, and the air above the water should remain warm and humid, especially in cooler rooms, as labyrinth fish regularly breathe from the surface. Males may build bubble nests during breeding.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.

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Pearl Gourami - Trichogaster leerie