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 vibrant colors and peaceful nature. Taxonomically, it belongs to the order Anabantiformes, family Osphronemidae, and genus Trichogaster. Alongside the Blue Samsung and Blue Manlong, it is one of the most commonly kept ornamental gouramis. The Pearl Gourami is slightly smaller than its blue counterparts, typically reaching a maximum length of around 12 cm.
One unique feature of this species is its ability to breathe air using its labyrinth organ, which allows it to survive in low-oxygen environments. This adaptation makes it more tolerant of less-than-ideal water conditions. Its survival temperature range is between 14°C and 30°C, with an optimal range of 24°C to 28°C. The Pearl Gourami is omnivorous but tends to favor animal-based foods. Its striking coloration, especially in males during breeding season, makes it highly desirable among aquarists.
**Morphological Characteristics and Behavior**
Adult Pearl Gouramis have a slender, elongated body covered in fine silvery spots. A dark stripe runs from the eye to the tail, and the anal fin is long and wide, covering about two-thirds of the body length. Their pelvic fins are filamentous and can move freely, helping them sense their surroundings and locate food. Males display bright yellow or orange-red coloration on their chest and snout during breeding, making them particularly attractive. Females, on the other hand, have more subdued coloring.
These fish prefer densely vegetated waters and thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.5 and water hardness of 3 to 20 dGH. They are generally peaceful, though males may become aggressive toward females after mating. It's best to avoid keeping them with more aggressive fish, as they can become stressed and lose their vibrant color. Also, adult Pearl Gouramis should not be housed with small, fast-moving fish, as they may chase and eat them.
**Breeding**
Pearl Gouramis typically reach sexual maturity at around 10 months of age, when their body length reaches 6 cm or more. Breeding success is highest in individuals between 2 cm and 8 cm in length. Fish over 10 cm may still be capable of reproducing, but their success rate tends to decrease. In good aquarium conditions, these fish can live for over five years.
To prepare for breeding, male and female fish are separated for at least 20 days and fed live foods like leeches. When ready to spawn, a pair is placed in a spawning tank measuring approximately 50x40x30 cm to 80x50x40 cm. The water temperature should be set between 25°C and 30°C, ideally 1–2°C higher than usual. Dissolved oxygen levels should exceed 5 mg/L, with a pH of 6.8 to 7.5 and water hardness between 5 and 10 dGH.
A foam nest is essential for egg incubation, so floating aquatic plants or a sterilized foam block (about 5 cm in diameter) is placed in the tank to help the male build the nest. After building the nest, the male will court the female, displaying vibrant colors. If the female is receptive, she will allow him to wrap her and release eggs, which he then fertilizes and encases in foam.
The male guards the eggs and newly hatched larvae, removing any that fall from the nest. Once spawning is complete, the female should be removed to prevent injury. Eggs hatch within 1–2 days, and larvae begin swimming after 2–3 days.
**Rearing**
Newly hatched larvae are very small and delicate, requiring specialized feed such as rotifers or ciliates. Artemia nauplii are too large for them, so smaller prey is necessary. Without proper nutrition, survival rates drop significantly. As the fry grow, they can be fed finely sieved brine shrimp or commercial pellets with high protein content.
Juvenile Pearl Gouramis can be fed small food particles through a 30-mesh sieve. As they grow, the size of the food can increase, and they can be introduced to animal-based diets. Unlike Blue Manlong, they tend to eat more slowly and may require patience.
**Disease Prevention**
During the larval stage, maintaining good water quality is crucial. Overfeeding can lead to oxygen depletion, so feeding should be controlled. Juveniles between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm are prone to enteritis, especially if fed unclean live food. In adult fish, vibriosis is a common concern, characterized by swollen bellies, raised scales, and lethargy. Proper handling and avoiding sudden changes in salinity are essential. If an outbreak occurs, a 0.5 mg/L concentration of chloramphenicol can be used for 3–5 days.
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