Trichogaster leeri, commonly known as the Pearl Gourami, is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is a popular freshwater tropical fish often kept in aquariums due to its striking appearance and ease of care. Taxonomically, it belongs to the order Anabantiformes and the family Osphronemidae, within the genus Trichogaster. Alongside the Blue Samsung and Blue Man Long, the Pearl Gourami is one of the most admired ornamental species in this genus. Compared to its counterparts, the Pearl Gourami is slightly smaller in size.
One of the unique features of the Pearl Gourami is its ability to breathe air directly using its labyrinth organ, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen environments. This adaptation enables it to tolerate more severe water conditions than many other tropical fish. The minimum survival temperature is around 14°C, though it thrives best in warmer waters between 20–30°C. As an omnivore, it primarily feeds on small aquatic organisms, but it also consumes plant matter.
The Pearl Gourami is visually stunning, especially during breeding season when males display vibrant yellow or orange-red coloration on their chests and snouts. Its body is covered with silvery spots, and it has a distinctive black stripe running from the eye to the tail. The anal fin is long and wide, while the pelvic fins are filamentous, serving both a sensory and aesthetic function. Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued coloration.
In terms of behavior, the Pearl Gourami is generally peaceful, particularly females. However, males may become aggressive toward females after mating, so it’s important to separate them post-spawning. They should not be housed with aggressive fish, as they can become stressed and lose their vibrant colors. Additionally, they should not be mixed with small, fast-moving fish like neon tetras, as they may chase and eat them.
Breeding the Pearl Gourami requires careful preparation. Fish should be at least 6 cm in length and around 10 months old before they are ready to spawn. Males and females are separated for about 20 days and fed live foods like leeches to encourage spawning. When ready, a pair is placed in a spawning tank with specific water parameters: temperature between 25–30°C, pH 6.8–7.5, and hardness between 5–10 dGH. A foam nest is essential for the eggs, which are buoyant. Aquatic plants or foam blocks are used to help the male build the nest.
During spawning, the male becomes highly active, building a foam nest and courting the female. If the female is ready, she will interact with him, and the pair will engage in a mating dance. The male then wraps around the female, releasing sperm and eggs into the foam nest. A single spawning session can result in 1,000–2,000 eggs, each about 0.5 mm in diameter.
After spawning, the male guards the eggs and larvae, ensuring they remain in the nest. He will even retrieve any fallen eggs and place them back. Once the eggs hatch, the fry are very delicate and require specialized feeding. Initially, they need tiny food like rotifers or ciliates, as they cannot consume larger prey. As they grow, they can be fed finely sieved brine shrimp or high-protein dry food.
Disease prevention is crucial throughout all life stages. Larvae are prone to hypoxia if overfed, and juveniles (1.5–2.5 cm) are susceptible to enteritis, especially if fed unclean live food. Adults are vulnerable to vibriosis, characterized by bloating, raised scales, and lethargy. To prevent this, maintain clean water, avoid overcrowding, and use antibiotics like chloramphenicol if necessary.
Overall, the Pearl Gourami is a beautiful and rewarding fish for aquarists who are willing to provide the right environment and care. With proper attention, it can thrive and bring joy to any aquarium.
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