Sparkling Gourami Care Guide: Color, Size, Diet & Tank Mate
Maybe you’re looking for a small, attractive fish from Southeast Asia to add to your freshwater aquarium tank. What if that dream fish was the Sparkling Gourami?
Sparkling Gourami is so popular with aquarium enthusiasts because of its colorful appearance and shiny scales. It is a beautiful member of the gourami family that comes in many color morphs.
This peaceful fish is perfect for nano tanks and community aquariums. It is an easy-to-care-for fish that is a great beginner fish for those new to the freshwater hobby.
So, if you are looking for a pretty, low-maintenance fish then the Sparkling Gourami might be the fish for you.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Sparkling Gourami care, including information on their diet, tank mates, and ideal water conditions. By the end of this guide, you will be an expert on everything Sparkling Gourami!
What is A Sparkling Gourami Fish?
The pygmy gourami (Trichopsis pumila), also known as the sparkling gourami, is a species of gourami native to fresh and brackish waters in Southeast Asia.
At the end of the family Osphronemidae’s taxonomic history, there were two subfamilies recognized, the Trichogasterinae and the Luciocephalinae.
In 2006, Kottelat moved the genus Trichopsis to the newly created subfamily Trichopsidinae within the Osphronemidae.
The taxonomic history of pygmy gouramis has been complicated. The first description of a fish that would eventually be called T. pumila was by Bleeker in 1850 as Trichogaster pumilus.
This description was based on a fish collected in Thailand that was only 1.6 cm (0″5⁄8) in standard length (SL).
In 1870, Bleeker described T. lalia from Cambodia, which was distinguished from T. pumilus by its smaller size (maximum reported SL of 1.1 cm (0″3⁄8)).
In 1872, Sauvage described Osphromenus savonius from Vietnam, which he distinguished from O. pumilus by its smaller size (maximum reported SL of only 1 cm (0″3⁄8)).
It was not until 1955 that T. pumilus, T. lalia, and O. savonius were synonymized under the name T. pumila by Herre.
The specific name pumila is a Latin word meaning “dwarf” or “small”, referring to the small size of this fish.
The sparkling gourami is found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It typically inhabits stagnant waters with dense vegetation.
This species can also be found in brackish waters and estuaries. The sparkling gourami is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful species.
Males are more brightly colored than females and have extended dorsal and anal fins. The maximum reported length for this species is 3 cm (1″2⁄5).
Sparkling gouramis are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they should be fed a variety of live, frozen, and dried foods.
Breeding sparklers is not difficult, but raising the fry can be challenging. The female lays her eggs on a flat surface such as a leaf or piece of driftwood.
Species overview of Sparkling Gourami
| Common Names: | Pygmy Gourami |
| Scientific Name: | Trichopsis pumila |
| Family Name: | Osphronemidae |
| Distribution: | Southeast Asia |
| Size: | 1-1.5 inches |
| Color: | Brown with blue spots |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan: | 4-5 years |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 15 gallons |
| Tank Mate Compatibility: | Other semi-aggressive fishes |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The sparkling gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a species of gourami native to fresh waterways in Southeast Asia. It grows to a maximum length of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
It is a brownish color with blue spots and has iridescent scales that give it a sparkling appearance. The fins are transparent.
The males have a long, filamentous ray extending from the last dorsal-fin spine, while females do not have this extension.
The sparkling gourami is found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It inhabits still or slow-moving waters with dense aquatic vegetation.
This species is easy to care for and is compatible with other semi-aggressive fishes. It has a lifespan of 4-5 years and is omnivorous, meaning it will eat both plant and animal material.
A minimum tank size of 15 gallons is recommended for housing sparkling gouramis. Adding this South Asian fish to your aquarium tank will cost you $2-$5 USD.
Original information:
- Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.54-3.81 cm)
- Color: Brown with blue spots
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Tank size: 15+ gallons minimum.
- Tank temperature: 75°F-82°F.
All about Sparkling Gourami
In a real sense, it is not easy for a person to know everything on a subject. Ask yourself if you know everything about Sparkling Gourami.
The answer is probably no. In that case, it would be good to read on and find out more about this amazing creature.
Sparkling Gourami is a freshwater tropical fish that is popular among aquarists. It is also known by its other name, Trichopsis vittata. Now I will tell you everything I know about this fish.
Appearance
The Sparkling Gourami is a small, peaceful fish that is popular among aquarists. It has a torpedo-shaped body and can grow to be about 3 inches long.
Its body is mostly transparent with iridescent blue spots. The males tend to be more brightly colored than the females.
The Sparkling Gourami is a labyrinth fish, which means that it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air. This is an adaptation that allows the fish to live in water with low oxygen levels.
The head and mouth of the fish are smaller than the eyes, but the mouth is somewhat U-shaped. The sides of the eyes are shiny blue and the center is black.
The total number of fins of the fish is eight. The dorsal fin has 13-17 soft rays, the anal fin has 8-10 soft rays, and the pectoral fins have 15-17 soft rays.
2 brightly colored spots can be seen from the middle of the body to the tail. The caudal peduncle is black and silver in color.
Color Varieties
There are three color varieties of the Sparkling Gourami. They are the Normal, Blue, and Gold.
The Normal variety is the most common. It has a brownish body with iridescent blue spots. The fins are clear with black tips.
The Blue variety is less common than the Normal variety. It has a bluish body with iridescent blue spots. The fins are also blue with black tips.
The Gold variety is the rarest of the three. It has a yellowish body with iridescent blue spots. The fins are clear with black tips.
Lifespan
According to the South Asian Institute of Fish Research, the average lifespan of a Sparkling Gourami is 4-5 years.
In the wild, the fish may not live as long due to predation and other factors. In captivity, however, the fish can live up to 10 years with proper care.
Behavior
The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that is suitable for community tanks. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
The fish is an active swimmer and will often be seen swimming near the surface of the water.
The Sparkling Gourami is a labyrinth fish, which means that it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air. This is an adaptation that allows the fish to live in water with low oxygen levels.
The Sparkling Gourami is also known to be a good jumper. It is important to have a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium to prevent the fish from jumping out.
8 Personality of the Sparkling Gourami
Now you are all about the Sparkling Gourami. But what about its personality?
The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that is suitable for community tanks. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species. Now I will tell you everything I know about this fish.
Calm Nature: The Sparkling Gourami has a calm and peaceful nature. This fish is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species. It is a good community tank fish.
Friendly: The Sparkling Gourami is a friendly fish that gets along well with other fish species. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
Peaceful: The Sparkling Gourami has a peaceful nature and is not known to be territorial. It can get along with other fish species.
Easy to care for: The Sparkling Gourami is an easy fish to care for. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
Intelligent: The Sparkling Gourami is an intelligent fish. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
Gets Along With Other Fish: The Sparkling Gourami gets along well with other fish species. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
Good for Beginners: The Sparkling Gourami is a good fish for beginners. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
A Good Community Tank Fish: The Sparkling Gourami is a good community tank fish. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
Tank Size
| Tank size: | 15 gallons |
| Type of tank: | Freshwater fitted |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Hardness: | 5-18 dgh |
| Substrate: | sand & mud |
Ideal Conditions
The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that is suitable for community tanks. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
The Sparkling Gourami prefers a tank size of 15 gallons or more, a pH level between 6.0-8.0, water hardness of 5-18 dgh, and a substrate of sand & mud. The fish is an active swimmer and will often be seen swimming near the surface of the water.
The Sparkling Gourami is a labyrinth fish, which means that it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air.
This organ is located in the fish’s throat and allows the Sparkling Gourami to gulp air from the surface of the water. The fish will often be seen swimming near the surface of the water in order to get oxygen.
Because the Sparkling Gourami is an active swimmer, it is important to have a good filtration system in place. The fish produces a lot of waste and a good filter will help to keep the water clean.
It is recommended to use a canister filter or a power filter with a turnover rate of at least 10 times per hour.
The Sparkling Gourami is a sensitive fish and it is important to do regular water changes in order to keep the water clean. It is recommended to do a water change of at least 10% every week.
The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. It is not known to be territorial and can get along with other fish species.
When decorating the tank, it is important to leave plenty of open space for the fish to swim. The Sparkling Gourami is an active swimmer and needs room to move around.
The Sparkling Gourami does not have any specific requirements for plants, but it is important to choose plants that are safe for freshwater aquariums.
Some good options for plants include Java Fern, Hornwort, and Anacharis.
Now you know tank’s ideal conditions for the Sparkling Gourami, check out our list of the best freshwater aquarium fish to see what other peaceful fish species would make a good addition to your tank!
Tank Mates
The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful fish that can get along with other fish species. It is not known to be territorial and will do well in community tanks.
Some good tank mates for the Sparkling Gourami include:
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Corydoras
- Kuhli Loaches
- Ember Tetra
- Angelfish
- Rainbow sharks
When choosing tank mates for the Sparkling Gourami, it is important to choose peaceful fish that are similar in size.
The Sparkling Gourami is a small fish and it can be bullied by larger fish. It is also important to choose fish that have similar water requirements.
The Sparkling Gourami prefers slightly acidic water with a temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Some fish that should be avoided as tank mates for the Sparkling Gourami include:
- Bettas
- Goldfish
- Barbs
- Cichlids
These fish are either too aggressive or have different water requirements than the Sparkling Gourami.
When choosing tank mates for the Sparkling Gourami, it is important to do your research to make sure the fish are compatible.
With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and peaceful aquarium that your fish will enjoy.
Feeding Your Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami is not a picky eater and will accept most types of food.
Some good options for food include:
- Flake food
- Pellets
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
It is important to feed your fish a variety of foods in order to give them the nutrients they need.
The Sparkling Gourami is a small fish and it is important to avoid overfeeding. It is recommended to feed your fish 2-3 times per day, using only as much food as they can eat in 3 minutes.
Overfeeding can cause water quality problems in the aquarium and it can also be harmful to the fish.
If you are not sure how much to feed your fish, it is better to err on the side of caution and give them less food. You can always give them more food if they seem hungry.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend using Hikari Tropical Micro Pellets for the Sparkling Gourami. This food is a high-quality pellet that is specially formulated for small tropical fish.
The pellets are easy to digest and they contain all of the nutrients your fish need to stay healthy. Hikari also makes a good flake food that can be used as a supplement to the pellets.
Breeding Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami is a relatively easy fish to breed in the home aquarium. These fish are livebearers, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
The female Sparkling Gourami will store the fertilized eggs in her body until they are ready to be born.
The fry (baby fish) are born fully developed and they are able to swim and eat on their own. The female Sparkling Gourami can give birth to anywhere from 20 to 100 fry at a time.
If you want to breed Sparkling Gourami, it is best to keep a group of at least 6 fish. This will give you a better chance of getting a male and female pair.
It is also important to have a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places for the fry. The fry are very small and it can be eaten by other fish in the tank.
To increase the chances of breeding, it is best to keep the temperature on the higher end of the range (around 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you see a female Sparkling Gourami that looks like she is ready to give birth, it is best to remove her from the main tank.
This will give her a place to have her babies without the risk of them being eaten. Once the fry are born, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or daphnia.
The fry will grow quickly and they should be big enough to be moved to the main tank within a few weeks.
Sparkling Gourami is fun fish to breed and they make great additions to the home aquarium. With a little planning and patience, you can successfully breed these beautiful fish.
A common disease of Sparkling Gourami
While Sparkling Gourami is relatively hardy fish, there are a few diseases that can affect them. The most common diseases are listed below.
Ich thyophthirius multifiliis (white spot disease)
White spot disease is caused by a parasite that is commonly known as ich. Ich is very contagious and it can spread quickly through a fish tank.
The most common symptom of ich is white spots on the skin of the fish. These spots are actually the parasites that are attached to the skin.
Other symptoms include:
- Scratching against surfaces
- Loss of appetite
- Gasping for air
- Congestion
- Clamped fins
If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to take action immediately. Ich can kill fish very quickly, so it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
The best way to treat ich is to raise the temperature of the water to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill the parasites, but it can also be stressful for the fish.
It is important to make sure that the fish have plenty of hiding places in the tank so they can escape the heat if they need to.
It is also a good idea to treat the entire tank, even if only a few fish are affected. This will help to prevent the parasites from spreading.
Hypostomus plecostomus (lateral line disease)
Lateral line disease is caused by bacteria that attacks the lateral lines of the fish. The lateral lines are the lines that run along the sides of the fish.
This disease is most commonly seen in fish that are stressed or have a weakened immune system. The symptoms of lateral line disease include:
- Holes in the lateral lines
- Inflammation of the lateral lines
- lesions on the skin
- Loss of balance
If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to take action immediately. Lateral line disease can be very difficult to treat and it often leads to death.
The best way to treat lateral line disease is with a combination of antibiotics and anti-fungal medications. These medications will need to be administered for several weeks in order to be effective.
It is also important to make sure that the fish are in a stress-free environment. This means providing them with plenty of hiding places and keeping the water conditions stable.
Mycobacterium marinum (golden algae eater disease)
Golden algae eater disease is caused by bacteria that affects the skin of the fish. The symptoms of this disease include:
- Gold or brown spots on the skin
- Inflammation
- Scratching against surfaces
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to take action immediately. Golden algae eater disease can be very difficult to treat and it often leads to death.
The best way to treat golden algae eater disease is with a combination of antibiotics and anti-fungal medications. These medications will need to be administered for several weeks in order to be effective.
It is also important to make sure that the fish are in a stress-free environment. This means providing them with plenty of hiding places and keeping the water conditions stable.
Capillaria spp. (gill flukes)
Gill flukes are parasites that attach themselves to the gills of the fish. The symptoms of this disease include:
- Gasping for air
- Inflammation of the gills
- Excessive mucus production
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to take action immediately. Gill flukes can be very difficult to treat and they often lead to death.
The best way to treat gill flukes is with a combination of antibiotics and anti-fungal medications. These medications will need to be administered for several weeks in order to be effective.
It is also important to make sure that the fish are in a stress-free environment. This means providing them with plenty of hiding places and keeping the water conditions stable.
How to Add Sparkling Gourami to Your Aquarium Tank?
Now that you know everything about Sparkling Gourami care, it is time to learn how to add them to your aquarium tank.
The best way to do this is to purchase a group of young fish and allow them to acclimate to the tank. It is important to add the fish slowly so that they can get used to the new environment.
Once the fish are acclimated, you can then add them to your main tank. It is important to make sure that the tank is large enough to accommodate the adult size of the fish.
It is also a good idea to provide the fish with plenty of hiding places and plants. This will help the fish feel more comfortable in their new home.
Now that you know everything about how to add Sparkling Gourami to your aquarium tank, you can enjoy these beautiful fish in your own home.
10 Pro Tips for Keeping Sparkling Gourami in an Aquarium
Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) are small, peaceful freshwater fish that make a great addition to any aquarium.
They are known for their beautiful colors and patterns, and they are relatively easy to care for.
If you are thinking about adding Sparkling Gourami to your tank, here are a few pro tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the right size tank. Sparkling Gourami is a relatively small fish, so they do not need a lot of space. A 10-gallon tank is typically sufficient.
2. Provide plenty of hiding places. Sparkling Gourami likes to have plenty of places to hide, so be sure to include plenty of rocks, plants, and other décor in your tank.
3. Keep the water quality high. Sparkling Gourami is sensitive to poor water quality, so it is important to keep the water clean and well-filtered. perform regular water changes and vacuum the gravel to remove debris.
4. Feed a high-quality diet. Sparkling Gourami is omnivores, so they need a diet that includes both plants and animals. Good quality pellets or flakes will provide the nutrients they need. Be sure to include plenty of live or frozen foods in their diet as well.
5. Avoid tank mates that are too large or aggressive. Sparkling Gourami is peaceful fish, so they should not be kept with tank mates that are too large or aggressive. Choose fish that are similar in size and temperament.
6. Introduce new fish slowly. When adding new fish to your tank, it is important to do so slowly. Add a few fish at a time and give them a chance to acclimate to their new environment.
7. Keep the tank temperature between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparkling Gourami is tropical fish, so they need warm water to thrive. Use an aquarium heater to maintain the proper water temperature.
8. Keep the tank well-oxygenated. Sparkling Gourami needs plenty of oxygen to stay healthy, so be sure to keep the water well-aerated. Use an aquarium air pump to keep the water moving and oxygenated.
9. Perform regular water changes. It is important to perform regular water changes to remove toxins and debris from the water. A good rule of thumb is to change 10-15% of the water every week.
10. Monitor the fish for signs of illness. Sparkling Gourami is relatively hardy fish, but they can still succumb to illness if they are not properly cared for.
Be sure to monitor the fish for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and unusual behavior. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
By following these simple tips, you can provide your Sparkling Gourami with the care they need to thrive in your aquarium.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Sparkling Gourami in Your Aquarium?
Sparkling Gourami is small, peaceful freshwater fish that makes a great addition to any aquarium. They are known for their beautiful colors and patterns, and they are relatively easy to care for.
If you are thinking about adding Sparkling Gourami to your tank, here are a few reasons why you should:
1. They are beautiful fish. Sparkling Gourami is known for its vibrant colors and patterns. They are sure to add beauty and interest to your aquarium.
2. They are relatively easy to care for. Sparkling Gourami is not particularly difficult to care for, as long as you provide them with a well-maintained tank and a high-quality diet.
3. They are peaceful fish. Sparkling Gourami gets along well with other peaceful tank mates. They should not be kept with larger, more aggressive fish.
4. They are good for beginner aquarists. If you are new to the hobby of fish keeping, Sparkling Gourami is a good choice for you. They are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.
If you are looking for a beautiful, peaceful fish to add to your aquarium, Sparkling Gourami is a great option. Be sure to provide them with a well-maintained tank and a high-quality diet, and they will thrive in your care.
History And First Sighting
The first sighting of sparkling gourami was in 1874 by Dr. Albert Günther. They were found in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.
It wasn’t until 1879 that they were imported to Europe. They quickly became one of the most popular fish in aquariums.
Sparkling Gouramis are a member of the Osphronemidae family, which contains gouramis, anabantoids, and pseudo-anabantoids. They are in the genus Trichogaster and their scientific name is Trichogaster trichopterus.
The common name, “Sparkling Gourami”, comes from the iridescent blue spots on their body and fins.
These spots are more prominent in males and juveniles. The body coloration can be brown, tan, or green. There are also albino and leucistic varieties available.
Sparkling Gouramis can grow to be about 6 inches (15 cm) long. They have a lifespan of 5-7 years, but some have been known to live up to 10 years.
The Summary
We are at the end of this blog post today and I want to thank you for reading. I hope that you have found the information contained herein to be useful and informative.
Sparkling Gourami is small, peaceful freshwater fish that makes a great addition to any aquarium. They are known for their beautiful colors and patterns, and they are relatively easy to care for.
Now that you know everything about this fish, go ahead and buy one for your aquarium today! If you any questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I would be happy to help you out.
