Dwarf Gourami

The dwarf gourami is a small labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae, native to slow-moving and still waters of northern India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Males are vividly colored with alternating diagonal red and iridescent blue bands, while females are plainer silvery-grey. It is a generally peaceful, somewhat shy fish suited to calm community tanks. Males can be territorial toward one another, so keeping a single male or a male with several females works best. As a labyrinth breather it gulps air at the surface. A densely planted aquarium with gentle flow and floating plants makes it feel secure. It accepts flakes, micropellets, and small live or frozen foods. Males build bubble nests among floating vegetation and guard the eggs. Commercially bred stock can be prone to disease, so healthy sources are recommended.