Species profile
Moonlight Gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
Semi aggressive
Easy care
250 L minimum aquarium
12–15 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A relatively large gourami. Adult footprint and male territoriality make small 'community gourami' tank recommendations inappropriate.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fry
Bioload factor
1.5
Usually calmer than many similarly sized gouramis, but mature males can defend surface territories. Avoid fin-nipping tankmates and ensure timid fish are not crowded.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichopodus microlepis
Alternative names
Moonlight Gourami, Moonbeam Gourami
Native range
Mainland South-east Asia, especially Mekong and Chao Phraya drainages.
Natural habitat
Slow-moving, heavily vegetated lowland waters. Provide substantial planted cover and open swimming space, with gentle flow and access to the surface.
Diet & feeding
Omnivorous. Use a quality prepared staple with vegetable matter plus insects, crustaceans and frozen/live foods for variety.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males develop longer, more pointed dorsal fins and stronger orange/red pelvic-fin colour; females tend to have a shorter, rounder dorsal fin.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. The male constructs a large surface nest and becomes territorial during spawning; remove or protect the female if harassment becomes excessive.