I have always been fond of the small but stunning Dwarf Gourami. The species is currently scientifically recognized as Trichogaster lalia, although for many years it was widely known as Colisa lalia.
A pair can be kept in a small aquarium starting from 45 liters, or a small colony can be established in a larger tank (128+ liters). It is crucial to remember that males are territorial and quite dominant toward one another; they require ample space and plenty of hiding spots if multiple males are kept together.
Appearance and Habitat
The male is clearly the standout with his vibrant red and blue diagonal stripes, while the female is more subdued in silvery-grey tones. Native to South Asia (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), they inhabit slow-moving or standing waters with dense vegetation. They are hardy fish but thrive best at temperatures around 26-27°C. When breeding, increasing the temperature to 28-29°C is recommended. The aquarium should have low water flow and plenty of floating plants, which provide security and nesting material.
Feeding
They are omnivorous and accept most types of food. While females often produce eggs on a diet of high-quality flake food, I highly recommend supplementing with varied frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp a few times a week to stimulate breeding behavior.
Breeding
When the female is ready to spawn, her abdomen becomes noticeably plump near the vent. If the male is ready, he will begin building a sophisticated bubble nest at the surface. Spawning occurs beneath the nest, where the male embraces the female, and the eggs rise into the bubbles. After spawning, the female should be removed as the male takes over care and can become aggressive toward her.
Raising the Fry
The eggs hatch after a few days. The biggest challenge is raising the tiny fry, which initially require infusoria or very fine liquid/powder food (such as hard-boiled egg yolk mixed with water). The male should be removed once the fry are free-swimming, as his instinct to keep them in the nest fades, and he may start preying on them.
