Dwarf Gourami

Author : Efrain Silva

Appearance

I love dwarfs, but this time, we’re not talking about Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones : No, no, the dwarf I refer to here is the Dwarf Gourami, the one - of - a - kind fish for a one - of - a- kind fish owner like yourself! Now let’s talk, for a bit, on all we can about this fish, starting with what it even looks like, what it eats, what makes it tick (if anything), who it can live with, and some more. Hold on, here we go….

So first of all, the Dwarf Gourami is very small, the smallest Gourami there is in a line of other Gouramis. And it’s bigger, if it’s a male. It can come in various colors!

Diet

In its original home, it can devour small insect life, as well as algae growing right on plants, not to mention larvae that it spots rising from the water’s surface. Vegetable tablets are some of the best things you can give it, and don’t worry — they are available at Costco, Walmart, Petco, or wherever else you choose to shop for your fish needs. You can also immerse some frozen foods into its tank, or some freeze - dried specials. They’re always accepted on its menu! Live worms also make a spectacular addition and won’t be turned down.

Origins The Trichogaster lalius is the long - form, technical origin name this fish came from. And geographically speaking, its origins were first found to be throughout South Eastern Asia, in addition to Bangladesh and India. Some have also found it in Pakistan, as well, or claim to have done so. This fish is widely distributed and can now be found almost globally. It has always — and I find this to be the most fascinating part of its origins, or perhaps one of the most fascinating parts altogether — tended to inhabit waters that move more slowly.

Roommate Situation

Given that your chosen tank mate(s) is not aggressive, or way bigger than, your Dwarf Gourami(s), the arrangement should be fine (if, of course, it or they are also not aggressive as the Dwarf Gourami is quite passive and calm, naturally). However, do keep this exception to the rule in the back of your mind : If the Dwarf Gourami should so happen to spot a very bright - colored fish in its tank, it may get a bit aggressive and engage. Why is this, you may note?

Well, keep in mind that such bright and colorful fish may get mistaken for rivals (especially by male Dwarf Gouramis). Try fish that are, as I mentioned, peaceful and not too colored, and of the same size, and (to further add) bottom - dwellers. Neon types of Tetras, or even Dwarf Cichlids, should do just fine.

Other Facts to Note

A male can spawn with several females at once (and I guess it’s not considered ‘cheating’ if it’s amongst fish, though it all still smells a bit fishy to me). The female will spawn anywhere from between 2 - 4 full hours. During such time, it can produce up to 800 eggs!