Species profile
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
80 L minimum aquarium
5–9 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small labyrinth fish best in a calm, densely planted aquarium with gentle flow and access to the surface. Commercial lines have an important disease-history caveat because Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus occurs in the trade.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Peaceful toward many other species, but mature males can be territorial, especially around bubble nests. In modest aquaria a single male is often simplest; avoid boisterous or fin-nipping tankmates.
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
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichogaster fasciata
Alternative names
Trichogaster lalius, Colisa lalia, Dwarf Gourami
Native range
South Asia. The 2022 nomenclatural revision applies the name Trichogaster fasciata to the fish long known in aquaria as T. lalius.
Natural habitat
Slow, heavily vegetated freshwater habitats. Use floating plants, dense cover, gentle flow and warm air above the water surface.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality small pellets/flakes with varied frozen/live invertebrates and some plant material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are usually larger and much more colourful; females are comparatively muted and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. The male builds and guards a surface nest and becomes more territorial during spawning and early brood care.