Pearl Gourami

Looks how to spot one

Laterally compressed labyrinth fish

An oval, flattened fish with long thread-like pelvic fins, covered in a fine mother-of-pearl dotting over a silvery-brown base and a dark line running from the head toward the tail.3

Personality what they are like

A gentle, unhurried fish that suits a peaceful community; males can be a little territorial with one another, especially when nesting.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Glides slowly in the upper and middle water, often coming to the surface to take a breath of air.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the water clean and warm with a lid to hold humid air above the surface; plenty of plants and floating cover help it feel secure.21

Home where they are happiest

At least a 90 x 30 cm base (about 80 litres), densely planted with floating plants and gentle flow. Temperature about 24-30 C, pH 5.5-8.0, hardness around 2-30 dGH.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An easy omnivore that accepts most foods: quality dried food plus small live or frozen foods.21

Company who they like around

Peaceful with calm tankmates; keep one male with several females, or a group in a larger tank.2

The story where it all began

Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker described it in 1852 from a fish collected at Palembang, Sumatra, honouring his colleague J.M. van Leer. It has long been a favourite community fish in planted aquariums.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Near Threatened (assessed 21 January 2019)1

Taxonomy

Described by Pieter Bleeker in 1852 as Trichopus leerii3