Dwarf gouramis bring instant zen to your aquarium. ✨ Those iridescent colors, that gentle swaying among the plants… and then *pop* up for a breath of air (yes, they have lungs; they're labyrinth fish, after all). This complete guide covers everything: water parameters, setup, how many to keep together, suitable tankmates, nutrition, and how to breed them successfully.
Dwarf gouramis (5–7 cm) thrive at ≥ 40 L (preferably 60 L+), 24–27 °C, pH 6.8–7.8, soft to medium-hard carbohydrates (± 3–8 dKH), and little current. Keep one male with two or three females. A well-stocked tank with floating plants contributes to a healthy gourami environment.
What water parameters and setup do dwarf gouramis need?
- Temperature: 24–27 °C (stable, so with heating).
- pH: 6.8-7.8. KH: 5–6 dKH. GH: low–medium.
- Current: soft, calm current, it is also a peaceful fish.
- Labyrinth fish: Provide a warm, moist layer of air under the lid; always leave a small air hole; this is usually the hole where the cables come through. If you don't have a covered aquarium, make sure the aquarium is not exposed to drafts.
- Decor: densely planted with hiding places and floating plants ( Salvinia , Limnobium , Elodea densa ). Combine plenty of greenery from the aquarium plant collection (tip: Anubias nana ) with natural roots such as mangrove or spiderwood , and sturdy stones such as Dragon Stone , Slate , or Mini Landscape . For additional tranquility and micronutrients, you can also use botanicals .
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Size: can be done in 40 L, but 60–80 L is more relaxing (less stress, more stable against fluctuations in water values).
How many dwarf gouramis together (and how many do you buy)?
- Always as a trio: 1 man + 2 women (harem). This way, the man divides his attention and one woman isn't constantly being chased.
- Container size & layout: 60–80 L or larger, richly planted with floating plants and plenty of privacy screens (roots, branches, tall plants from the plant collection and airy wood ).
- Male(s): Never keep two (or more) males together in one tank; they are territorial.
- Buying: Preferably get the whole trio at once (1M2V) and choose animals with clear eyes, full bellies and cool fins.
- Why you sometimes see "schools" in stores: these are often young animals that are temporarily housed together; at home, 1m2v remains the safe choice.
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What do dwarf gouramis eat (feeding schedule)
- Base: Quality micro pellets or flakes that sink slowly (they like to feed at the surface/halfway up).
- Extra food 2–4×/week: (thawed) brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms; occasionally some spirulina/plant based for variation.
- Portion & rhythm: 1–2 times a day, whatever they eat in 1–2 minutes. One break day per week is allowed.
Breeding guide: how to breed dwarf gouramis
- Breeding tank: 40–60 L, water depth 10–15 cm, plenty of floating plants , and still water. Temperature 27–28 °C.
- Conditioning: Feed well for 1–2 weeks with live or frozen (artemia, daphnia). Keep a mix of one male and one female (the female is plumper, less brightly colored).
- Foam nest: The male builds it under floating plants. Once the nest is established, mating takes place; eggs are laid in the nest.
- After spawning, remove the female . The male will guard the nest.
- Larvae & food: after 24–36 h larvae, after 3–4 days free-swimming → infusoria /vinegar eels, then micro-worm/baby artemia.
- Important: Keep the air above the tank warm/moist (lid!) to ensure the labyrinth develops properly. Remove the male if he becomes restless.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
- Several men together: becomes a fight → keep 1 man.
- Too strong current: they dive away → dampen the flow, use a spray bar or plant more greenery .
- Cold/unstable water: susceptibility to stress → use thermostatic heating and lid.
- Too busy neighbours: shy behaviour → choose quiet schools and bottom dwellers.
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Dwarf gourami at a glance (table)
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Baking size | Min. 40 L (preferably 60–80 L) |
| Water | 24–27 °C, pH 6.8–7.8, KH 5-6 dKH |
| Current | Light, filtered top layer |
| Group composition | 1 male or 2–3 females; 1M+2F only in 60 L+ and densely planted |
| Fellow residents | Rasboras, (ember) tetras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Amanos |
| Feed | Micro-pellets/flakes + artemia/daphnia/bloodworm (2–4×/week) |
| Breeding | Foam nest, shallow water (10–15 cm), 27–28 °C, floating plants |
Checklist
- ✔ Min. 40 L, preferably 60–80 L
- ✔ 24–27 °C, pH 6.8–7.8, gentle current
- ✔ Dense planting + floating plants
- ✔ 1 male or multiple females
- ✔ Cover glass (warm, moist air layer)
- ✔ Varied food, small and frequent
Conclusion
Dwarf gouramis are tranquil, colorful eye-catchers that, in the right setting, will provide years of enjoyment. With gently flowing, warm water, plenty of greenery, and the right neighbors, they thrive—and who knows, your husband might soon build a bubble nest. Need help choosing plants or arranging your space? Schedule a consultation or 📲 app us ; we're happy to help.
