Welcome to this species profile on the Pearl Gourami, one of the most captivating freshwater fish for aquariums. If you’re looking for a larger Gourami, this may very well be the one for you. Let’s take a closer look.

This 55-gallon tank features some of the coolest fish in our fish room. The setup showcases the beauty of Pearl Gouramis perfectly, with 14 Pearl Gouramis creating a vibrant and dynamic aquarium environment.

In addition to that, we also have an Ectroctes heckelii (that cichlid you see in the center), a few Cherry Barbs, and quite a few Bristlenose Plecos that love stirring things up. These active fish contribute to the dynamic energy of the aquarium environment.

The Unique Colors of Pearl Gouramis

One thing that stands out about Pearl Gouramis is their color. Of all the Gouramis, I believe this is my personal favorite due to their sparkling, iridescent appearance. In this tank, you’ll actually see two types: the standard Pearl Gourami, which is more silver, and the gold Pearl Gourami, which is a bit more unusual and less common. Both are stunning additions to any aquarium.

Key Information for Pearl Gouramis

Origin and Size of Pearl Gouramis

These fish originate from Thailand and Malaysia. Most Pearl Gouramis found in pet stores are commercially bred, with wild-caught specimens being quite rare. Size-wise, they are some of the larger Gouramis typically available in stores, growing to about 4–5 inches. Despite their size, they are one of the more docile Gourami species.

You can find more information on other Gourami species in one of our previous discussions, linked below. A standout feature of Pearl Gouramis is their peaceful nature, which sets them apart from other similarly sized species. This makes them suitable for being kept in groups, unlike many other Gourami types, including Dwarf Gouramis, which often exhibit aggressive behavior when kept together. Pearl Gouramis and Honey Gouramis are notable exceptions, as both are relatively peaceful and thrive in groups.

Coloring and Lifespan of Pearl Gouramis

The coloring of Pearl Gouramis is magnificent. Males have more red coloration on their throats and bellies. You’ll also notice that males have longer fin trailers compared to the more rounded fins of females. Pearl Gouramis typically live for 4–6 years, though we’ve had one in a 75-gallon tank that lived for at least six years.

Choosing the Right Tank Mates

Because these fish are non-aggressive, it’s important to choose tank mates carefully. In this tank, we have Bristlenose Plecos, an Ectroctes heckelii, and Cherry Barbs. Typical community fish work well with Pearl Gouramis, but avoid fin nippers or semi-aggressive to aggressive cichlids. Similarly, other Gourami species like Dwarf, Blue, Opaline, or Gold Gouramis are not good companions, as they may bully Pearl Gouramis.

Good tank mates include schooling fish like Cherry Barbs, Rasboras (e.g., Brilliant Green, Green Kubotai, Pork Chop Rasboras), and smaller Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Gold Tetras, Green Neons, Ember Tetras). Cichlid species like Rams, Apistogramma, or Kribensis could also work. Bottom-dwelling fish like Cory Cats and Kuhli Loaches are excellent choices. Livebearers like Mollies, Guppies, Platies, and Endlers are compatible too, as are Swordtails.

Water Parameters

When it comes to water parameters, Pearl Gouramis are tolerant of a wide range. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including moderate to hard water. However, good water quality is essential—no ammonia or nitrites, and nitrates should be 20 ppm or less.

Feeding

Feeding Pearl Gouramis is straightforward—they’re not picky eaters. We feed ours NLS (New Life Spectrum) flakes and pellets. They also enjoy live baby brine shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms, and bug-based pellets.

Tank Size and Setup

Regarding tank size, I recommend a minimum of 40 gallons for Pearl Gouramis. While some might suggest a 20-gallon tank, I find that unsuitable for long-term care. Larger tanks, like a 40-breeder or 55-gallon, are better for these relatively large fish.

For tank setup, Pearl Gouramis prefer live plants, rocks, and wood. If you include plants, ensure there’s some cover near the top, as it makes them feel secure. However, avoid dense floating plants that block access to the water’s surface, as Pearl Gouramis need to gulp air. A dark background and substrate enhance their appearance, making their colors stand out beautifully.

When it comes to filtration, avoid strong currents or high-flow filters. Pearl Gouramis prefer slower-moving water, which reduces stress.

Breeding Pearl Gourami

For breeding, you’ll need a male and female. Males are slimmer, with red bellies and fin trailers. They build bubble nests, wrap around the female to release eggs, and place the eggs in the nest. Once the eggs are laid, remove the female to prevent aggression. After the fry hatch, remove the male to protect the fry. Start feeding the fry infusoria, then live baby brine shrimp, and eventually crushed flakes.

Pearl Gouramis are an amazing fish and can be a stunning centerpiece for your aquarium. If you’ve kept them before, share your experiences in the comments below. Thank you for reading. If you’ve kept Pearl Gouramis, feel free to send your experiences in the comments below!