Sparkling Gourami Care Guide: Tank Mates, Diet And Breeding

Looking for freshwater fish species like Sparkling Gourami for a home aquarium can be both an exciting and daunting experience. The process needs to be done mindfully to reduce the hassle of handling and caring.

Going for Sparkling Gourami fish would be an excellent option care is super easy, and these fish species can survive in extreme conditions.

But these species are highly underrated for some reasons. It is something that makes these freshwater beauties less common in many home aquariums.

The sparkling eyes and body have won the heart of many aquarists. The stunning colors are a great addition to any fish tank that lacks beautiful colored species.

We have compiled a detailed guideline for Sparkling Gourami care for you. Take this time to read through up to the end. Get to know more about the hidden facts of this fish species.

Let’s find that out together:

Quick Facts:
Common Names	: Sparkling Gourami, Pygmy Gourami
Scientific Name	: Trichopsis Pumila
Family	: Osphronemidae
Origin	: Ponds, slow-moving rivers, rice fields in Southeast Asia
Care Level	: Easy
Lifespan	: 4 - 5 years
Size (average)	: 1 - 1.5 inches long
Diet	: Omnivore
Breeding	: Egglayer
Social	: Not a schooling fish
Temperament	: Mostly peaceful
Minimum Tank Size	: 10 Gallons
Temperature	: 77 - 83 °F (25 - 28 °C)
Water Hardness	: 5 - 19 dGH
Water pH Level	: 5.5 - 7.5

Table of Contents

Overview of Sparkling Gourami Species

Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis Pumila) is also known as Pygmy Gourami. It is a small freshwater fish species native to the South East Asia region.

The freshwater fish thrives in slow rivers, ponds, and rice fields in southeast Asia. The fish species belong to the family of Osphronemidae and the order Anabantiformes.

Pygmy Gourami species are typically small and have a life expectancy of up to five years. But the provision of a better aquarium condition might help boost their lifespan.

Members of Anabantiformes orders are also known as labyrinth fish. It implies that these fish species have unique labyrinth organs for breathing.

The unique organ allows labyrinth fish to take oxygen directly from the air. It is rare since other fish species utilize dissolved oxygen in their surrounding water.

It is one of the reasons behind swimming to the surface of the water to get oxygen. The adaptability and survivability enable the fish species to thrive in water with low oxygen.

Keep in mind that their price depends on your location, health, and overall condition. Buying fish species can be expensive in some regions. But many pet stores offer discounts to them affordable.

Origin, Distribution, and Availability

Sparkling Gourami fish species are predominantly found in rice fields, ponds, and slow-moving rivers in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

The fish species is peaceful and shy. But the fish can be aggressive when spawning. They are less popular in-home aquariums than their Darf Gourami counterparts.

The sparkling red, green, and blue hues make this species stand out from other Gourami species. Besides that, these fish species produce audible croaking noise with their specialized pectoral mechanism.

One of my favorite features about the fish species is the ability to survive in extreme conditions and dirty water. It is a feature that allows the fish to thrive under low oxygen and dense vegetation habitat.

The advancement in technology has led to the introduction of these species in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The fish species can be bred in captivity as pets.

Another exciting thing is that you can find the Sparkling Gourami for sale in many online and local pet stores. You can buy these freshwater beauties at an affordable price since they are discounted.

Sparkling Gourami Typical Behavior

Sparkling Gouramis are an excellent option for both beginners and experienced aquarists. The fish species have a peaceful and shy nature. These traits have attracted a lot of aquarium enthusiasts.

If you are a fan of beautiful and friendly aquarium fish species, the Pygmy Gouramis are an excellent option for you. The behavior is another reason behind their suitability for beginners.

However, the male species can be aggressive when spawning toward other male counterparts. The behavior is demonstrated when it comes to claiming territory and the protection of their partners.

Keep in mind that Pygmy Gouramis are not school fish. The species thrive and flourish in a group of five to six fishes. Anything above that will trigger aggression and fight in the tank.

One of my favorite features of Sparkling Gourami is its unique breathing style. The fish species breathe via labyrinth organs and swim to the surface of the water to utilize the atmospheric air.

But labyrinth organs are present in adults since juvenile species breathe through the lungs before their labyrinth organs develop.

Besides that, the fish species do not have a preferred layer tank. They will be seen swimming all over the tank. The sparkling coloration will help to improve your space.

These freshwater beauties spend most of their time swimming around the tank, enjoying their hiding points. But the breathing behavior makes them spend most of the time on the surface of the water.

Another exciting behavior is the unique audible sound production. The croaking sound can be heard outside the tank when the fish is happy or spawning.

Characteristics, Appearance, Color, and Size of Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling Gouramis are excellent aquarium fish species. These stunning freshwater species come with qualities that suit any home aquarium.

Below are some of the hidden facts on Pygmy Gouramis. Take time to read through and gather information to help you make an informed decision.

Characteristics

Pygmy Gouramis are known for not being great schooling fish. But the character does not deter them from being bred into a group of 5 to 6. It is the only way to improve their quality of life.

The fish species exhibit peaceful and shy traits. But male species might display aggressive nature during mating towards other male counterparts.

Aggressive behavior enables some male species to claim their territory and even when it comes to choosing a compatible partner. The male fish will endeavor to protect their partners from others.

The shy character makes the fish species spend most of their time swimming and enjoying their hideouts. The most exciting thing is that the fish species remain humble and peaceful with their tank mates.

This petite gem for the freshwater aquarium is a great deal for beginners. The manageable traits make the species easy to tame in captivity.

Appearance

No doubt, Sparkling Gouramis are the most beautiful fish species for the home aquarium. The fish comes with vibrant and colorful pattern on their small bodies.

The freshwater aquarium fish has a long, thin, and streamlined body. The region around the ventral fins and body tapers is the thickest. The little sparkling bullets make the fish stunning when swimming.

The dorsal fins are thin and tall. It allows the fish to angle back while swimming. The anal fin is big and covers most of the space from the posterior end.

The caudal fin has a moderate surface area and shell-like shape. But the fin length does not exceed the height of the fish.

Another wonderful thing to note is the blue fins with black spots and a bold dark red stripe along the edge. It is something that makes your home aquarium stand out from others.

Colors and Special Markings

Gouramis come in several species. But Sparkling Gourami is the most beautiful and suitable for the home aquarium. The body coloration and flecks help to improve your living room space.

The small fish species has a brown body marked with small light blue spots. The prominent dark red stripe occurs along the edges of the fins.

This stunning freshwater aquarium fish has blue eyes with a red border. The combination of these colors and the arrangement of the scales makes the fish sparkle in the aquarium.

Some species have colorful spots over their bodies that enhance the reflection of their scales in green, blue, and grey colors.

All the fins are brown with dark orange edges. The unique colors and scale structures make the fish adorable for keeping a pet in the aquarium.

Sparkling Gourami Size

The average Sparkling Gourami size of an adult fish is about 1.5 inches. The small body size is a clear indicator that the fish does not need a large tank.

The small-bodied fish is one of the things that makes an aquarist love more about the species more. The size also complements perfectly with their sparkling patterns.

The stunning coloration display is fun to watch when a group of fish species is swimming around the aquarium. These freshwater beauties will make your space stand out from others.

The juvenile counterparts are quite tiny. But you can see them with naked eyes. The transparent bodies make it hard to spot from a distance.

Sparkling Gourami Lifespan

The average lifespan of Sparkling Gourami is about 3 to 5 years. But proper care and maintenance will make the fish species live for an extended period.

Sparkling Gourami Habitat, Tank Conditions, and Care

Habitat and Care

Sparkling Gourami thrives in habitats that experience slow-moving water. It is one of the reasons behind their popularity in Southeast Asia.

These fish species prefer living in roadside ditches, slow rivers, rice fields, and small ponds. Keep in mind that the habitat should have dense vegetation to improve the quality of their life.

The labyrinth organs allow the fish species to live in areas that have less oxygen. The lung-like organ enables the fish to cope with different environments with ease.

Ensure the aquarium has a lot of vegetation and slow-moving water. These plants create an excellent breeding ground and also act as a source of food.

Remember to create a conducive environment to avoid stressing the fish species. A quiet surrounding helps to improve their quality of life.

Sparkling Gourami Tank Size and Tank Setup

Pygmy Gourami is a small fish species. It would be best to get a 10 gallons tank to accommodate about 4 to 5 Gourami fish. We recommend a moderately large tank to give the fish freedom of movement.

These freshwater beauties prefer a dark substrate. It helps to bring contrast by making the sparkling flecks visible and beautifying the aquarium.

Putting gravel, rocks, sand, and wood to provide an excellent hideout for your fish. The decorations create an exploration space for your Pygmy Gouramis.

The fish species prefer dim lighting for their survival. But these species thrive in dark habitats due to their ability to adjust to changes. You can switch on the light for some hours for the sake of vegetation.

Keep in mind that highly oxygenated aquarium water is less important-no need for creating a powerful aeration system in the aquarium. The fish has labyrinth organs for capturing oxygen from the air.

Suitable Plants

Grow vegetation in the tank to offer shelter and hiding spots for the fish. Choose non-toxic plants that can grow under low-light conditions.

Hornwort and Water Wisteria are the most suitable plants to consider for your aquarium. These plants will help to create a natural habitat in the aquarium.

Ensure the vegetation does not overgrow the aquarium. These plants might reduce enrichment and even make the fish uncomfortable.

These fish species do not spend much time at the bottom of the tank. This gives you the freedom to choose any substrate. But dark substrates are the best since they make the color of the fish pop.

Water Temperature and Conditions

Sparkling Gourami is a freshwater fish species. All you need is to fill the tank with distilled water over tap water since it might contain harmful chemical ingredients.

Ensure the aquarium water is moderately warm to enable the fish to thrive. It would be best to maintain the temperature at 77 °F to 83 °F (25 °C to 28 °C).

The water should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and a hardness of 5 to 19 dGH. Get a reliable test kit to help in monitoring these parameters.

Be quick to address changes to help improve the quality of your aquarium life. Develop the habit of changing the water twice a month to create a conducive environment for your fish.

Sparkling Gourami Diet and Feeding

Pygmy Gourami fish species are omnivores. These freshwater fish species rely on small insects that fall in water and vegetation for food in the wilderness.

The eating habits give you the flexibility to feed them a variety of foods. It would be best to consider both dry and live foods. The fish species can also feed on food flakes.

Supplementing the diet with meaty life and frozen foods is an excellent option. Some of the popular meaty foods are shrimp, bloodworms, and artemia.

Diversification of their diet will help to improve their expected lifespan. High-quality proteins and leafy greens are an excellent combination for your aquarium.

Common Diseases

Sparkling Gourami is robust and hardcore fish species. Research shows that there is no specific disease that is known for attacking the fish species.

The stable health condition is one of the reasons behind Sparkling Gourami care is super easy. But this is not a guarantee that the fish species is resistant to diseases.

Keep in mind that most freshwater fish species are highly susceptible to Ich and other parasitic infections. This Pygmy Gourami is not an exemption.

It would be best to monitor all parameters in the aquarium to guarantee your fish a better life. Changing the water every month is commendable to prevent the occurrence of an infection.

Develop the habit of monitoring your fish frequently to help spot any signs of illness. Provide high-quality feeds and we guarantee you that Sparkling Gourami will be fun to watch.

Gender Differences

How to tell the difference between female and male fish species is challenging. But having a close eye during spawning will help to tell the difference.

Female species usually display a swollen abdomen during the session. The abdomen contains numerous eggs. Also, male counterparts have longer fins than female species.

But all these features are difficult to spot. Beginners might find a hard time telling the distinction as compared to experienced aquarists.

Breeding Sparkling Gourami Fish

Breeding Sparkling Gourami fish at home is straightforward. But remember to make the breeding appear natural to avoid stressing your freshwater beauties.

Ensure the aquarium water has the right temperature and pH. The slow-moving water in the aquarium helps to mimic their natural habitat.

Put six fish species in the tank and ensure gender is proportional. Allow the fish to create a bond with each other and start pairing up.

Keep feeding the female species with meaty foods before breeding. The male species will appear aggressive during spawning, and their counterparts will develop swollen abdomens after some time.

Move the female fish species to a separate tank after spawning finishes. The male species will remain in the tank until the fry hatch. Move the male into a separate tank when the fry starts swimming.

Juvenile Sparkling Gourami fish are tiny and feed on plankton and infusoria. The diet keeps changing as they enter adulthood.

Are Sparkling Gouramis Aggressive?

Sparkling Gouramis are not schooling fish. But research shows that they prefer living in groups of five to six. The group helps to improve the quality of their life and also foster breeding.

So, are Sparkling Gouramis aggressive? Not really. These freshwater beauties are peaceful and shy. These behaviors happen the reason behind aquarists getting attracted to the fish species.

But the male species can be a little bit aggressive during spawning. It is the period when the male counterparts want to claim territory and protect the fry hatch.

Can Sparkling Gourami Live Alone?

Pygmy Gouramis are not shoaling fish species. These freshwater gouramis appreciate the company of their own kind. These freshwater fish species prefer living in a group of five to six.

The group has an equal ratio of male and female species. The pairing facilitates breeding and continuity of the species in the wildness.

Aquarists should pair the fish species for easy breeding in the home aquarium. It will also help to create bonds and improve the quality of life.

How Many Gouramis Should Be Kept Together?

Gouramis are not schooling fish. But these fish species prefer to live in a group to improve the quality of their life.

But ensure the group consists of 5 to 6 fish. The small group gives them the freedom to interact and pair up for breeding purposes.

Aquarists should breed six fish species in the same tank. But the ratio between male and female counterparts should be equal.

The equal number of males and females makes spawning super easy. The male species will not become aggressive towards others during the spawning session.

Sparkling Gourami Tank Mates

Sparkling Gouramis are peaceful fish species. These freshwater beauties need to be kept with non-aggressive tank mates.

Besides that, keeping them in a tank with small and fast-moving fish species is not commendable. These fish species might nip their fins during the swimming routine.

Some of the excellent Sparkling Gourami tank mates are:

Can Gourami Live with Guppies?

Gouramis and guppies have a lot of factors in common. These fish species are both peaceful and shy. They can easily be handled by beginners without facing any challenges.

These tropical aquarium fish species thrive in freshwater and can adapt to an extreme environment with ease.

So, can gourami live with guppies? Absolutely. But there are some factors to put into consideration to ensure these fish species have the best quality of life.

Ensure the tank is large and water parameters are maintained in the right way. These conditions enhance the adaptability and survivability of these two fish species.

Why Should I Keep Sparkling Gourami in My Aquarium?

Pygmy Gouramis are the most beautiful freshwater fish species to consider for your aquarium. The fish species are small and this implies that they will take up little space.

Sparkling Gourami care is quite easy. Besides that, the species can adjust and adapt to extreme conditions without any challenges.

Ensure the aquarium has a lot of vegetation and decorations to provide hiding spots for the fish. It also gives the aquarium the outlook of its natural habitat.