Sparkling Gourami

The Sparkling Gourami is also known as the Pygmy Gourami and Dwarf Croaking Gourami but it should not be confused with Croaking Gourami which is its close relative. Scientifically this fish is known as Trichopsis pumila. It is a beautiful petite fish. It grows to a maximum size of 1.5 inches. Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that can be kept in groups. This fish does best in a nicely planted aquarium with some floating plants. Its life span is that of 3 years or more. A remarkable feature of this fish is that it is a labyrinth fish. If you are planning to have a Sparkling Gourami in your aquarium, go through the following account to beneficiate yourself.

Geographical distribution

Sparkling Gourami is found in ponds and ditches in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Diet

Sparkling Gourami is basically an omnivore. In the wild it feeds on aquatic insects and zooplankton. In an aquarium it will eat algae flakes, frozen foods, tropical fish flakes and occasionally live brine shrimp or black worm. Once in a while use a veggie meal.

Breeding

During spawning males can become aggressive with other males. Bubble nests are built by males at surface of water. Every spawn produces 100-170 eggs. Male guards the eggs and the young and tends the nest. Remove female after spawning. For the first ten days, feed wrigglers on infusoria and when fry can eat baby brine shrimp or micro worms, feed them with this food.

Physical description

Body of Sparkling Gourami is elongated to some extent and with strong lateral compression. Both, the upper profile and the lower one are almost symmetrical. Its dorsal fin is thin and pointed. In its front, anal fin starts and the soft rayed end points extend to the beginning of the caudal fin in males. Longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins help in identifying males. This fish is called ‘Sparkling’ is because of its coloration, body and eyes appear sparkling under sufficient lighting.

Tank Set Up

Tank for the Sparkling Gourami should hold at least ten gallon of water. Temperature required is 25 degree C to 28 degree C or 77 degree F to 82.4 degree F, pH needed is 6.0-7.0 and hardness of water should be 5-19 dH. Peat filtration is suggested. Heavily plant the tank and leave minimum part of its surface covered with floating plants. Colors of this fish will best be shown at a darker substratum. You can find this fish swimming in the middle and top region of the tank. Be careful to expose the water surface to fresh air. You can accomplish it by using a hood which allows air ventilation. You will not always need this hood if you are using god air pumps. The reason is that air pumps refresh the air above water.

Social Behavior

Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish. It is an excellent choice for a community tank. It can be kept in a community setting but is best matched with peaceful fish of similar size and temperament or else it will be timid and spend most of the time hiding.

Sparkling Gourami is often scared by loud noises, so take care to place its tank in a quiet area. It is a must to do regular water changes. It is shaped more like a betta than like a lot of its rounded Gourami relatives. This fish is a delightful addition to your aquarium. After going through the above account, you must have been acquainted with ample information about Sparkling Gourami. So keeping it as your pet fish and caring for it will not be a difficult task for you now.