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Another old time favorite, this very hardy fish has been bred commercially in various color forms. It is a staple of the hobby.

Quick stats:

Listed tank sizes are the minimum
Size:	Up to 4.5 inches (12 cm)
Tank:	29 gallon
Strata:	Top, middle
PH:	5.5 to 7.5
Hardness:	Soft to hard, dH range: 5 - 19
Temperature:	73° to 82°F  (24 to 28°C)

Classification:

Order:	Perciformes
Suborder:	Anabantoidei
Family:	Osphronemidae
Genera:	Trichogaster

Pearl Gourami, Mosaic Gourami, Red-Breast Gourami

Additional species photographs

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Distribution

Malay Peninsula, Thailand and the Greater Sundra islands.

Somewhat elongated with moderate Lateral compression. The anal fin starts in the front of the fish and the soft rayed end points extend to the beginning of the Caudal (tail) fin, in males it is even longer. All the species of Trichogaster have a pretty small (in length connected to the body) Dorsal fin that is greatly elongated in the male. The Ventral fins are elongated into feeler like threads. The rear portion of the tail fin is deeply indented.

I will describe the original coloration of the pearl here as there are some many hybrids out there it would be impossible to describe them all.
Male: The base color is a Reddish Brown that is almost completely covered by a mixture of White Pearly dots that give the look of an Opalescent sheen. An intermittent dark Brown line extends down the body sides from the nose through the eyes to the start of the tail fin where it blooms into a round blotch. Under this band there are a series of darker dots mixed in with the Pearly dots. The throat and belly area, including the base of the pectoral feelers and the stiff Anal rays turn a vivid Orange to Red. The female is less colorful with the base color being more brownish and the throat, belly area and Pectoral feelers a more Silver color.

A hardy fish that will adapt to many conditions. Keep them in pairs and the fish will display to each other and show off their best colors. Keep in a planted community aquarium with many plants including floating varieties. Provide hiding places for the female. Tank mates should be slower moving peaceful species. Provide good filtration with a slow water flow (like from a spraybar) so as not to disturb any Bubblenest. Pearls are Omnivorous and will take live, flake, frozen as well as vegetable based food.

Biotope:

Found near the shore in areas with vegetation or underneath floating plants in standing or slow moving water. Can also be found in areas of shallow water with leaf rubble on the bottom.

Typical Bubble nest builder, where a large nest is constructed below floating or among plants. The nest and fry are maintained and guarded by the male. Feed on newly hatched Brine shrimp and transfer a rearing tank.

Pearl Gourami Click photo to buy Trichogaster leeri

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From: Jennifer Date:04/29/2007 I have 3 pearl gouramis (2 females and a male) and they are very nice peaceful fish. Mine are in a 120 Litre heavily planted tank with peppered cories. They readily take most foods, including flake and frozen foods. I find mine especially enjoy bloodworm and daphnia. They are not particularly shy unless startled and make a brilliant addition to any tropical aquarium. From: wil Date:02/07/2002 well I have 2 pearl gouramis and I think they are very cool fish and when mine die I am definitely going to get more because they r nice with my other fish. They are very peaceful and fun to watch. As a mater of fact my pearl gouramis were the very first fish I ever got(along with 2 sword tails). if you are a beginner I suggest you get a couple pearl gouramis. From: Ron Date:02/11/2002 I bought the fish under the name Diamond Leeri. It looks like a Pearl Gourami except it seems to have more color. I have them in a 38 Gal. tank with an assortment of Tetras,two Angels,two Angelica Pim and two Corys. They all seem to get along quite well. From: Will Date:5/24/2002 I have 2 gouramis, a male + female, the male is quite vicious towards the female because he tries to nip her - maybe its just sexual harrasment. lol. na there real kool fish. From: Donna Date:12/2/2002 Just wanted to share that I have an adult male Pearl Gourami in my 29G community tank and he is my favorite fish. I plan to try to breed. He's very friendly and nips my fingers and wraps his body around my index finger like a spawning embrace. They also can live for 7-8 years, which is a long time for a fish, and I look forward to having him around for a long time.

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