Pearl gourami

Pearl gourami

Trichogaster leeri

MAINTENANCE: EASY / CARE: EASY / REPRODUCTION: POSSIBLE / COST: REASONABLE

Imported since 1933, the pearl gourami, also called the mosaic gourami, is a particular favourite among aquarists. It is a very peaceful fish which could set a good example to humans with their busy, modern lives!

Map of Malaysia and Indonesia.

FACT SHEET

Scientific name: Trichogaster leeri. Common name: Pearl gourami. Family: Belontiidae. Origin: Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo. Natural habitat: Stagnant water. Size: 10 to 15 cm. Sexual differences: The male displays a red patch on the underside. The female is smaller. Behaviour: Very calm and peaceful.

This Asian fish inhabits stagnant waters (at temperatures close to 30°C) in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia. Like other members of the family Belontiidae, it has a double respiratory system, the labyrinth, which allows it to breathe atmospheric air. The shortage of oxygen dissolved in the pools which it inhabits, is made up for by air which it seeks out at the surface. As a result, the pearl gourami lives mainly at the top of the aquarium

In the aquarium

It is as well to keep a pair for every 100 litres of water, but there is nothing to stop an aquarist adding other fish, peaceful or lively, which live at different depths in the tank and, if possible, these should be from the same region of the world, for example glass catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhus), some small rasboras and some loaches of the genus Botia. A volume of water greater than 100 litres can only be beneficial. Adding lots of plants is important to complete the aquarium. Two or three species of plants from the genus Cryptocoryne should fill the lower levels of the tank. Some good clumps of fern (Ceratopterls), reaching the surface, will provide a solid base for the construction of the gouramis' bubble nest.

Feeding

Filtration must be slow and gentle: an hourly rate of flow equivalent to the volume of the tank is correct. In its natural surroundings, the pearl gourami feeds on small prey at the surface, such as insect larvae. In the aquarium, bloodworms, brine shrimps and daphnia (live or frozen) are perfect. Flakes and granular food complete this diet. Changes of water in the order of 10% every two weeks keep a good balance in the aquarium.

The pearl gourami needs to come to the surface regularly to breathe.

Reproduction

As with other Belontiidae, this is spectacular. Once the nest is built, the male wraps his body around the female several times. The eggs are ejected each time. The male retrieves the eggs and then places them in the bubbles in the nest. The female is usually chased away from the nest, which is the exclusive property of the male. Between 500 and 700 young (fry) can be born as a result of these encounters. Hatching takes place only 24 hours later. The young fry then hang underneath the nest. Two days later, they take their first food, which just like themselves, is minuscule! Some Rotiferas (fresh water micro­organisms) will be eaten first, then come young brine shrimps. Later, dry food (flakes and granules) will complete the diet. Growth is quite rapid and sexual maturity is achieved at about eight months depending on the rearing conditions.

Life in the aquarium
Maintenance	100 litres per pair, with other peaceful fish for company. Covered tank.
PH	6. 5 to 8. 5.
Water hardness	5-30dH
Temperature	Ideally about 26°C.
Changing the water	10% every 15 days.
Food	Larvae of aquatic insects, flakes and granules.
Reproduction	The male builds a nest of bubbles.
Compatibility	Avoid keeping these fish with lively fish (for example, barbs).
Life expectancy	2 to 3 years.
Comments	Plant up the aquarium well and filter water gently.