The Sky Blue Male Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish prized for its brilliant blue coloration and gentle personality. It’s one of the most popular Gourami variants, ideal for planted community aquariums due to its calm nature and manageable size.

Here’s a detailed overview:

🐠 General Information

• Common Name: Sky Blue Dwarf Gourami, Powder Blue Gourami

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius

• Family: Osphronemidae

• Origin: Native to slow-moving waters of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan; most aquarium strains are captive-bred

• Variant Type: A selectively bred color morph of the Dwarf Gourami

🌈 Appearance

• Coloration: Iridescent, sky-blue to turquoise body with minimal or no red striping (unlike the standard Dwarf Gourami)

• Fins: Long, flowing fins with matching blue hues and delicate rays

• Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Body Shape: Laterally compressed with an oval silhouette

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Males: Brighter blue color, pointed dorsal fin

  • Females: Duller silver-blue, rounder dorsal fin

💫 Personality & Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful, though males can be territorial toward other male Gouramis

• Compatibility:

  • Excellent for calm community tanks

  • Good tankmates: Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful Barbs, small Loaches

  • Avoid: Fin-nippers or aggressive species (like Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids)

• Activity: Slow, graceful swimmer; prefers mid-to-top tank levels

• Social Structure: Best kept singly or in a pair (1 male with 1–2 females); avoid housing multiple males in small tanks

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for one; 20+ gallons recommended for a pair or community setup

• Temperature: 77–82°F (25–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 4–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard)

• Filtration: Gentle flow — strong currents stress them

• Décor:

  • Live plants (Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword, Water Wisteria)

  • Floating plants (Salvinia, Amazon Frogbit) for shade and surface security

  • Driftwood and rocks for hiding spaces

• Lighting: Moderate; enhances color without stressing the fish

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Staple Foods: High-quality micro pellets or flake food

• Supplements:

  • Live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

  • Occasional vegetable matter (spirulina or blanched peas)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 small meals daily; avoid overfeeding to prevent bloating

🫧 Special Care Notes

• Labyrinth Fish: Has a labyrinth organ — breathes atmospheric air at the surface, so ensure open access and warm air above the water

• Water Quality: Sensitive to ammonia and nitrites; needs regular maintenance

• Behavioral Health: Thrives in calm environments; stress can dull colors and weaken immunity

• Disease Caution: Watch for Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV) — buy from reputable breeders and maintain excellent water conditions

🧬 Breeding

• Type: Bubble nest builder

• Spawning Setup:

  • Separate breeding tank (10–15 gallons)

  • Male builds bubble nest under floating plants

  • After spawning, remove female — male guards eggs

• Fry Care: Once hatched, remove male; feed fry infusoria or baby brine shrimp

🌟 Why It’s Special

• One of the most visually striking color morphs of the Dwarf Gourami

• Peaceful and interactive — often recognizes its keeper

• Perfect for planted or nano community aquariums

• Adds a calm, colorful centerpiece to small tanks

Please note:
We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.