Pearl Gourami

Trichogaster leerii is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful members of the gourami family, distinguished by its intricate pattern of pearlescent white spots across a warm brownish-orange body with a dark lateral stripe. Native to the peat swamp forests of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it thrives in soft, slightly acidic, heavily planted aquariums. Males display vivid orange-red throats during the breeding season.

Water: temp 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: minimum 80L; densely planted with floating plants for bubble-nest building. Feeding: omnivore — flakes, pellets, live and frozen invertebrates, algae-based foods. Behaviour: peaceful; males may display to rivals but rarely cause injury. Compatibility: excellent community gourami; compatible with most peaceful medium fish.