Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)

The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila), also known as the Pygmy Gourami or Croaking Gourami, is one of the smallest gouramis available and an absolute gem for nano planted aquariums. Native to slow-moving streams, rice paddies, and stagnant pools across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and southern China, it grows to only 3–4 cm but packs extraordinary visual appeal into its tiny frame.

Its body is a rich warm brown with rows of iridescent turquoise and red spots that shimmer under aquarium lighting, and its fins display brilliant blue-red coloration with fine iridescent margins. Males possess slightly larger, more pointed fins than females and produce a distinctive croaking or chirping sound (audible to nearby observers) by vibrating their pectoral fins — a behavior used in courtship and territorial displays.

Sparkling Gouramis are labyrinth fish (subfamily Trichopsinae), meaning they breathe atmospheric air at the surface using a specialized labyrinth organ. This adaptation allows them to survive in oxygen-poor water, but they still benefit from well-maintained, clean conditions. They are peaceful and gentle — ideal for species tanks or nano community setups with other small, non-competitive fish.

They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with minimal water movement, dense planting, and floating plants that diffuse light and provide surface cover for their bubblenest breeding behavior.

Water Parameters: Soft, slightly acidic water: pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28°C, GH 1–10. Tannin-stained water is beneficial. Minimize surface agitation to allow atmospheric air breathing and bubblenest maintenance. Gentle sponge filtration is ideal.

Tank Setup: A 20–30 liter nano aquarium for a pair or trio. Dense planting with fine-leafed plants, floating plants (frogbit, water lettuce), driftwood, and leaf litter creates ideal conditions. Avoid strong flow. Dark substrate enhances their coloration. A tight-fitting lid maintains humidity for the labyrinth organ.

Feeding: Micro-predator that accepts micro flake food, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia, and cyclops. Feed in very small amounts twice daily with foods appropriate to their tiny size. Avoid large food items.

Tankmates: Very peaceful but fragile. Best in a species tank or with other tiny, gentle fish: microrasboras (Boraras sp.), small ricefish, dwarf shrimp. Avoid all active, competing, or larger fish that will intimidate or outcompete them.

Breeding: Bubblenest builders. Males construct a floating nest among plant roots or under floating plants. Spawning involves an embrace. Male guards eggs and fry. Remove female after spawning. Fry require infusoria and micro-brine shrimp nauplii.