Pearl Gourami care

Trichopodus leerii · Freshwater · Beginner level care

A graceful gourami with a lace pattern and long feelers.

Smallest tank30 gallons

Adult size4.5 inches

Temperature77 to 82°F

pH6 to 7.5

GroupFine on its own

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsTop of the tank

Lives4 to 8 years

Watch for: Fin nippers can damage the long feelers, so avoid barbs and similar fish.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.

Has long fins that fin nippers target.

Fish that pass every check with Pearl Gourami in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Rosy Barb: Rosy Barb and Pearl Gourami need different water temperatures.
Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Pearl Gourami.
Gold Barb: Gold Barb and Pearl Gourami need different water temperatures.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Pearl Gourami need different water temperatures.
Paradise Fish: Paradise Fish and Pearl Gourami need different water temperatures.
Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Pearl Gourami.
Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Pearl Gourami.
Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Pearl Gourami.

What size tank does a Pearl Gourami need?

At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 4.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Pearl Gourami like?

77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Pearl Gourami should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Pearl Gourami eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.