Family: Osphronemidae
Distribution: Trichogaster leeri, commonly known as the Pearl Gourami, is a freshwater species found in Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra and Malaysia; it is mostly distributed in acidic, lowland swamps.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 25°C – 28C (77 – 82F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dH
Description: Trichogaster leeri can reach a length of 13 cm in an aquarium. This stunning species is dotted with white “Pearl-like” shapes, giving it its common name. It has a horizontal black line that goes across its entire body. Males develop a red breast and have longer dorsal fins than females. The breast will become even readier when the male is ready to spawn. This species has a life expectancy of 3 – 4 years.
Diet: Trichogaster leeri will eat most foods, particularly frozen and live foods. It will accept flake just as readily. Brine shrimp, black worms and glass worms will be good conditioning foods for breeding.
Breeding: The male Pearl Gourami will build a bubble nest and spawning will occur beneath the nest. The female will release hundreds of eggs, which will float to the surface. The male will tend the eggs until hatching, but you should remove the female as soon as she has laid the eggs. It will take about four days until the fry is swimming freely, at which point you should remove the male. The fry can be immediately fed Infusoria or liquid food. You can feed the youngsters freshly hatched brine shrimp after two weeks. To raise the fry properly you should conduct water changes ever two or three days.
Comments: A single Pearl Gourami could be housed in a tank of around 10 gallons. It will prefer a heavily vegetated tank and subdued lighting, along with floating plants and a dark substrate. It can be quite timid at times and will appreciate some hiding spaces. This species is relatively hardy, although it does prefer slightly acidic conditions and a clean tank. This species is actually quite easy to look after, making it suitable for beginners.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Trichogaster leeri should not be housed with boisterous, aggressive species. They will live happily with Tetraspecies (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbaiand Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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