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Fish Database: Dwarf Gourami (Male) - Colisa lalia

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 8/10
Area of tank: Middle, top
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8, vs,s,m,h,vh
Temperature: 24 - 28C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, live foods
Minimum tank size: 60cm
Min / Max number in tank:

Fish fact file

Family: Osphronemidae (Gouramies)
Synonyms: Polyacanthus lalius, Trichopodus lalius, Trichopsis lalius, Trichogaster lalius, T. unicolor, Colisa unicolor, Colisa cotra
Other common names: Red lalia, sunset, cobalt, red dwarf gourami
Origin: Asia; Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
Natural habitat: Highly vegetated areas of slow moving streams, rivers and lakes
Size: 8cm
Behavior: Peaceful, males kept in small numbers may fight
Breeding: Bubble nester. Male will guard the nest and newly hatched eggs but will eat free-swimming fry. Eggs hatch after 24 hours
Natural water conditions: pH 6-8, very soft to hard
Sexing: Males are more colourful with a pointed dorsal fin. Females are much drabber

Fish code No.1704

Recently Viewed fish: Dwarf Gourami

There are a number of different colour forms of the Dwarf Gourami available varying between stages of blue and red colour. Unfortunately, heavy breeding to produce these forms has made the Dwarf Gourami an even weaker fish than the natural form and they are prone to a number of bacterial and skin based diseases. Because of this it is important that the aquarium is mature and well filtered with good water overall water quality. The Dwarf Gourami is a peaceful, timid fish, which should be kept with other peaceful fish in a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. Although peaceful, some males can become dominant aggressive bullies and will harass another male. If several males are kept together, bullying does not occur so it is best to keep one male and one or more females, or a larger mixed group including several males.

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