Dwarf Gourami Care Guide

The dwarf gourami (colisa lalia) is an active, colorful fish that can be ideal for stocking small and medium aquariums. These tropical beauties can be moderately difficult to care for, but they can be a rewarding addition to large community tank or a small, species-focused nano-aquarium. As a long-time aquarist with a love of small tanks, I have been very satisfied with every dwarf gourami I have owned. This species' beauty and personality far exceed its diminutive size.

The Dwarf Gourami

I have jokingly referred to dwarf gourami as the "pugs of the fish tank". Just as pug dogs have all the personality of larger breeds, dwarf gourami mimic the behavior and appearance of larger fish. While most individuals of the species only grow to about 1.5-2 inches in length, their appearance is so rich and exotic that they could be mistaken for cichlids or saltwater fish at first glance.

The colisa lalia species is endemic to specific regions of Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, but it has spread its wild territory because humans have introduced it to non-native streams and ponds. Wild-type dwarf gourami are the hardiest and most beautiful, and are marked by iridescent red-and-blue stripes. Powder-blue, neon-red, neon-blue, and "rainbow" varieties have also been selectively bred, but I have found them to be weak and sickly compared to their wild-type cousins. Females are drabber and slightly smaller than males.

Water Conditions

Dwarf gourami can survive, and even thrive, in a somewhat wide range of water conditions, and their needs are similar to most other tropical fish. A dwarf gourami's ideal water temperature is in the upper seventies, though they can easily tolerate temperatures ranging from 70-84 degrees. Depending on the ambient temperature of the room, they may require a heater. While they can handle a wide range of temperatures, they do not handle abrupt fluctuations well.

Dwarf gourami do best in neutral-pH waters between 6.0-7.5, with water hardness between 4-10 dGH. Like other gourami species, the dwarf gourami has a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe air from the water's surface, so it can survive in relatively low-oxygen environments. Still, it has a somewhat low tolerance for ammonia and nitrate buildup, so a clean tank is essential.

Habitat and Tank Setup

Dwarf gourami originated in warm, thickly vegetated waters, and they will thrive in an aquarium that mimics these conditions. I have had excellent results keeping dwarf gourami in well-planted tanks with java moss, java fern, water sprite, and Amazon sword plants. Natural wood and lava rock enhance the beauty of the tank, and can also help the fish to feel more at-home. Dwarf gourami seem to do poorly in tanks with too much open-water.

The colors of dwarf gourami truly "pop" against mid-level lighting and darkly colored substrate. I have also enjoyed using drab, earthen tones--brown, orange, and burnt-red-- to create a treasure-box effect. A school of neon tetras and a pair of dwarf gourami will look stunning against an earth-toned background. Don't allow gaudy ornaments to distract from the dwarf gourami's natural beauty.

Tank Size

My two current dwarf gourami, "Ziggy" and "Stardust", are doing very well in a densely-planted, three-gallon tank that receives twice-weekly water changes, but many aquarists have found any tank smaller than 10 gallons to be inadequate, even for a single fish. Ultimately, each fish's needs will vary. A fish's ability to thrive in a small aquarium will depend on the stability of the water chemistry, the frequency of water changes, the presence of other fish, and how well-planted the tank is.

For beginning aquarists, I would recommend keeping dwarf gourami in a tank no smaller than ten gallons. In a larger tank, gourami can have the added benefit of having a few companions, such as a pair of dwarf corydoras or a community of ghost shrimp, which can help to scavenge leftover food and keep the aquatic ecosystem balanced. Regular water-changes and water-tests are essential, especially in small aquaria.

Feeding

Dwarf gourami will readily accept commercial flake foods. An omnivorous blend (preferably one made for gourami species) is an ideal staple. Look for a fish food that contains both algae-based and animal-based ingredients, and avoid anything with added fillers or by-products. Be careful not to overfeed: a good guideline is to use half the quantity recommended by the manufacturer. A one-day fast each week can prevent the complications associated with overfeeding.

In a well-planted tank, a dwarf gourami will supplement his own diet by nibbling on bits of decaying plant matter. Although they are not bottom-feeders, they will occasionally eat algae from substrate or from the sides of the tank. I enjoy supplementing my gourami's diets with bloodworm, which can provide a solid, nutritious protein source as an occasional treat.

Tank Mates

Dwarf gourami do best when they are kept in pairs, and they tend to be peaceful. Rarely, two male dwarf gourami may fight if they are kept in very close quarters, but this is not a common problem if they are properly fed and if the tank size is adequate. More often, dwarf gourami are bullied by more aggressive gourami species, such as bettas, and they may be killed if they do not have a safe hiding-place in the tank. They should not be kept with aggressive species for this reason.

Dwarf gourami can do well if they are kept with other small-statured fish of similar temperament. Neon, cardinal, and glo-light tetras are ideal tankmates, as are livebearers such as guppies, platies, and swordtails. Bottom-feeders, such as dwarf corydoras catfish, are helpful companions, as are ghost and cherry shrimp. Overall, the dwarf gourami can do very well in a community tank, and can adapt to a wide variety of water conditions.