Sparkling Gourami

Trichopsis pumila

Also known as: Pygmy gourami, Croaking gourami

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 6–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 18–179 ppm (1–10 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

A jewel of the nano tank: barely 3cm long, with iridescent blue-green spangling across the body and red-edged fins that catch the light, the sparkling gourami is the smallest gourami in the hobby and one of its quiet pleasures. Like all labyrinth fish it breathes air at the surface, so it needs surface access and a warm, draught-free lid, but it asks for little else beyond a mature, planted, gently-filtered tank and a varied diet that includes some small live or frozen food. Males are mildly territorial but rarely cause harm, and a group kept together rewards close observation with constant low-key displays and the faint croaking that surprises first-time keepers. An excellent centrepiece for a peaceful nano community, and a calmer, more sociable option than a betta for a small planted tank.

Tankmates

A tiny, peaceful labyrinth fish for the nano community, and a gentler alternative to the betta in a small planted tank. Best kept in a group of four or more, where the males display to one another and produce the soft clicking or croaking sound (made with the pectoral fins) that gives the croaking gourami its name. Too small and slow to compete with boisterous fish, so keep them with calm, similarly-sized nano species: small tetras, rasboras, pygmy corydoras, and otocinclus. Avoid other labyrinth fish, including bettas and larger gouramis, which they treat as rivals or which simply outcompete and bully them. Generally safe with adult shrimp, though they may take the smallest shrimplets. A densely planted tank with subdued lighting brings out their confidence and colour.

Compatible with

• Ember Tetra
• Chili Rasbora
• Celestial Pearl Danio
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Harlequin Rasbora

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Dwarf Gourami
• Three Spot Gourami
• Paradise Fish
• Tiger Barb
• Fin Nippers

Common Problems

• shyness and hiding in bright or sparse tanks
• being outcompeted at feeding by faster fish
• preference for some live or frozen food
• ich

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20