Sparkling Gourami - Trichopsis pumila

Tiny but dazzling, the Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) lives up to its name with a shimmering, iridescent body and subtle flashes of blue and red. Known for their peaceful nature, quiet chirping sounds, and small size, these gouramis are ideal for nano tanks or tranquil community aquariums. They're hardy, curious, and one of the most underrated gems of freshwater aquaria.

• Species: Trichopsis pumila

• Common Names: Sparkling Gourami, Pygmy Gourami

• Origin: Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

• Light Requirements: Low to Moderate

• Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped frozen foods

• Maximum Size: 3.5–4 cm (1.5 inches)

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Care Level: Easy

Aquarium Setup:

Perfect for nano aquariums of 20 liters (5 gallons) and up. Provide a well-planted tank with gentle filtration, leaf litter, and plenty of hiding spaces to mimic their natural habitat. Floating plants are highly recommended to diffuse light and offer security. These labyrinth breathers must have access to the surface for air. A darker substrate helps enhance their iridescent colors.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 2–10 dGH

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Growth and Maintenance:

Sparkling Gouramis are undemanding, though they thrive in stable, well-maintained tanks with gentle flow and soft, acidic water. They may be shy at first but will become bolder with time. Males sometimes display gentle sparring behaviors but are not typically aggressive. Their ability to "croak" or "chirp" with their pectoral fins is unique and often observed during social or mating interactions.

Care Tips:

✔ Perfect for Nano Tanks: Great for small, heavily planted setups
✔ Surface Breathers: Ensure open surface area for labyrinth breathing
✔ Peaceful Species: Keep in small groups (ideally 3–6) for comfort
✔ Sound Makers: Listen for soft chirps during feeding or courtship
✔ Soft Flow: Avoid strong currents; they prefer still or slow-moving water

Compatibility:

Excellent for peaceful community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species like ember tetras, chili rasboras, kuhli loaches, pygmy Corydoras, and shrimp. Avoid fin-nippers and large or boisterous fish that may intimidate them.

Availability:

Available from specialty aquarium retailers and online fish stores. A charming choice for aquarists looking to add personality and subtle beauty to a small planted tank. Contact us to check availability or to plan your nano tank layout.

Disclaimer:

"Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided."