Species profile
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Peaceful
Easy care
200 L minimum aquarium
8–12 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large but usually gentle gourami. A four-foot planted aquarium gives adults room to cruise while still providing quiet shaded areas and surface cover.
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
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.8
Usually peaceful, although males defend bubble-nest areas. One male with several females is preferable to crowding multiple males into a small aquarium.
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
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichopodus leerii
Alternative names
Lace Gourami
Native range
Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Sumatra and Borneo.
Natural habitat
Lowland swamps and slow streams with dense vegetation, often in acidic water. Gentle flow and abundant plant cover suit the species.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality pellets/flakes with frozen/live invertebrates and occasional plant-based foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult males develop a strong orange-red throat/chest and extended dorsal fin; females remain rounder and less intensely coloured.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner; male guards the nest and eggs.