Fishy Tales - Tales from an Aquarium

Known by many different common names such as the Pearl Gourami, the Lace Gourami, the Leeri Gourami, etc., this fish is not only one of the most attractive, but also one of the hardiest and easiest to keep of the gouramis. Like the other Gouramis, you can recognise it by its elongated and laterally compressed body.
The ventral fins are long and thin, giving the appearance of feelers. The mouth is small and upturned. Pearl and brown flecks covering the body give it a mother of pearl appearance, from which is derives it’s name. A horizontal black line runs from the mouth to the tail, where it ends in a spot.
This Gourami originates from Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, and occurs in lowland swamps with acidic water. Being a labyrinth fish, it tends to prefer the top and middle levels of the water.
Growing upto 5 inches, a pair would requires a minimum tank volume of 60 liters. The tank should also preferably have a surface which is exposed to fresh air to allow the Pearl Gourami’s labyrinth organ to function correctly. Make sure there is enough vegetation in the tank, along with other hiding places.
It is considered quite peaceful and usually will share a tank with most community fish types. However, male pearls may fight with each other, especially if there are females in the tank and it’s spawning time. You should however ensure that the other tankmates are not too aggressive.
This fish is a bubble nest builder. To encourage spawaning, increase the tank water to around 82°F (28°C), lower the water level a little and condition them with good foods (live foods and/or brine shrimp) for a couple of weeks. The male will build a bubble nest and then he will try to get the female to come over to his nest where he will wrap himself around her and she will release the fertilized eggs into the nest. He will then guard the nest. The eggs should hatch within a day or two and the fry should be swimming about 5 days later. Make sure you have fry foods ready - liquid fry food works well. Make sure to move them to another tank.
Given that this fish have a rather long life span (upto 8 years), keep them well, and they will regale you for years to come.

Fishy Facts
Scientific Name: Trichogaster leeri
Other Names: Leeri Gourami
Origin: Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra
Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Social skills: Peaceful, suitable for community tank
Lifespan: 8 years
Tank Level: Top, Mid dweller
Diet: Omnivorous
Breeding: Egglayer, bubblenest
Care: Easy
Temperature: 74-82 F (24-28 C)
Gender : Relatively easy to determine. The male will develop a red breast and the male’s dorsal fin is longer. The red breast on the males should become even more visible as it nears spawning mode.

Filed under: Fishes