Pearl Lace Gourami Care Guide

The Pearl Lace Gourami (Trichopodus leerii), also known simply as the Pearl Gourami, is a popular freshwater fish admired for its striking appearance and peaceful temperament. Native to Southeast Asia, these fish make a delightful addition to well-maintained community aquariums.

Appearance

Pearl Lace Gouramis possess an elongated, laterally compressed body adorned with a pearlescent pattern of spots across their body and fins, giving them their name. A distinct black horizontal stripe runs from their mouth to the base of the tail. Males typically exhibit more vibrant colours and have a longer, pointed dorsal fin compared to females.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Pearl Gouramis inhabit slow-moving or still waters such as swamps, streams, and lowland rivers with dense vegetation. They thrive in environments with ample plant cover and subdued lighting.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum of 110 litres is recommended to provide sufficient space for swimming and territory establishment.
• Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water.
• Substrate and Decor: Use a dark substrate to accentuate their colours, complemented by live plants, driftwood, and floating vegetation to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
• Filtration and Maintenance: Employ a gentle filtration system to maintain water quality without creating strong currents, as Pearl Gouramis prefer calm waters. Regular partial water changes are essential to keep the environment healthy.

Diet

Pearl Gouramis are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Supplement with live or frozen options like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to enhance coloration and health.
• Vegetable Matter: Incorporate blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to provide essential nutrients.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Pearl Gouramis are known for their peaceful and social nature, making them excellent candidates for community tanks:

• Tank Mates: Compatible with similarly sized, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, danios, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish.
• Social Structure: They can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups. Males may display territorial behaviour, especially during breeding, so providing ample space and hiding spots is advisable.

Breeding

Breeding Pearl Gouramis can be a rewarding experience:

• Spawning Environment: Set up a separate breeding tank with a lower water level (about 15-20 cm) and include floating plants to support bubble nest construction.
• Nest Building: The male builds a bubble nest at the water’s surface, often incorporating plant material.
• Spawning Process: Once the nest is built, the male courts the female, leading to spawning beneath the nest. The male collects the eggs and places them into the nest.
• Post-Spawning Care: After spawning, it’s advisable to remove the female to prevent aggression from the male, who will guard the nest. Once the fry hatch and become free-swimming (in about 3-5 days), the male should also be removed to prevent predation.
• Feeding Fry: Initially feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Conclusion

The Pearl Lace Gourami is a captivating and peaceful fish that can thrive in a well-maintained community aquarium. By replicating their natural habitat and providing a balanced diet, aquarists can enjoy the beauty and charm of these elegant fish.