Pearl gourami is popular to aquarists because of its colorful appearance and hardiest nature. Pearl gourami is generally a peaceful fish. They are more comfortable in large aquariums. Usually they are not kept with aggressive fish. It is better to keep pearl gourami with the same sized fish and the same temperamental nature. Pearl gourami is also known as diamond gourami. They tend to be easy and very much hardy fish. In their natural environment they tend to inhabit slow moving and slightly acidic water.

Tank Size:

They require minimum 25 gallon tank for their healthy growth. They are described as mid and upper level swimmer. They need ample space in the tank so that they don’t feel cramped. Inclusion of each new fish requires additional 10 gallon of water.

Growth and Lifespan:

They can grow normally 4-5 inches. Average lifespan is between 4-5 years. Their lifespan can be increased upto 8 years if they are taken care nicely.

Appearance:

There is no argument on the unique colorful appearance of pearl gourami. It is one of the few reasons why pearl gourami is kept by the aquarists. Addition of pearl gourami enhances the beauty of the tank. You must be mesmerized by the colorful appearance of the pearl gourami.

Water Quality:

Ideal temperature for pearl gourami is between 78º to 80º F. Standard pH should be maintained between 5.5-7.5. Weekly water changes will allow your species to have new freshwater in the tank. Use of proper filtration systems will ensure basic water parameter for the healthy growth of fish.

Behavior:

They are typically considered as peaceful community fish. They usually do best with smaller peaceful fishes like neon tetra and guppy. Larger and fast moving fish or other fishes which have fin that can cause injury to gourami are avoided in the tank. They are considered as social fish. You can keep 4-5 pearl gouramis together in your tank. While keeping them in group, consider the ratio of male and female gourami. The best recommended ratio is three female and one male. Male and female gourami can be identified by their body shape. Male pearl gourami is usually having smaller and thinner body frame than female. Female typically have much more rounded body shape. But the biggest difference between male and female is their fin. Female are having shorter and rounded fin whereas male versions have longer and dorsal fin.

Feeding:

Pearl gourami is not picky. They eat moderate and comfortable with flakes, pellets, frozen food and also brine shrimp. . Feed them for two minutes and twice a day.

Tank Maintenance:

Partial water change upto 25% is recommended for pearl gourami. There should be continuous water test by using kits to check existence of ammonia and nitrites. Use chlorinator before pouring new tap water into the tank. Check weekly whether there is any blockage in filtration systems. If filter needs to wash don’t use tap water. Using tap water will remove all the necessary bacteria from the filter. Rather, rinsed filter in that water which has been removed from tank as part of weekly maintenance.