Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii (Bleeker, 1852)
Also called Lace Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Leeri Gourami
From Southeast Asia: Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo, in lowland swamps and slow, plant-filled streams.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is an obligate air-breather, using a labyrinth organ to gulp air at the surface.1
- 2
Males build bubble nests that can reach about 25 cm across among floating plants.2
- 3
A breeding male's throat turns a vivid orange-red to impress females.3
- 4
Its species name honours Lieutenant-Colonel J.M. van Leer, a medical colleague of Bleeker.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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pearl Gourami. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pearl Gourami?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day with quality dried food plus small live or frozen foods. Avoid overfeeding to keep the water clean.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Pearl Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat quality dried food and small live or frozen foods. For foods to avoid, it varies; ask your vet for specific guidance.21
How much space does a Pearl Gourami need?
They need at least a 90 x 30 cm base (about 80 litres) with dense planting, floating plants, and gentle flow. This gives them room to glide peacefully.21
What temperature, light or water does a Pearl Gourami need?
Keep water at 24-30°C, pH 5.5-8.0, and hardness 2-30 dGH. Provide gentle flow and plenty of plants. Lighting needs vary; ask a good breeder or vet.21 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Pearl Gourami's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is a weekly water change of about 25%, clean glass weekly, and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Always use a lid to keep humid air above the surface.21 Furry Diary plan
Can a Pearl Gourami live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful with calm tankmates. Keep one male with several females, or a group in a larger tank. Males can be a little territorial when nesting.2
How long does a Pearl Gourami live?
With good care, they can live up to 8 years. Enjoy their gentle company for many years.2
Can I handle a Pearl Gourami?
It's best not to handle fish; they are delicate and easily stressed. For specific situations, ask your exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Dwarf GouramiLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Trichopodus leerii fishbase.seused for size, origin, water, IUCN, air-breathing
- Seriously Fish: Trichopodus leerii seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, water, diet, behaviour, breeding, lifespan
- Wikipedia: Pearl gourami en.wikipedia.orgused for names, appearance, etymology, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.