POWDER BLUE GOURAMI

General: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a surprisingly peaceful fish species when considering size. This Gourami will only reach a length of up to three inches. Much like the Corydoras Catfish, the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami has adapted well to the wetland environment. The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is a facultative air-breather, meaning it comes to the surface to breathe during naturally anoxic (without oxygen) periods that stagnant bodies of water sometimes undergo. The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami will maintain a mostly-passive nature as they reach maturation, and will make an ideal companion for a peaceful community setting. Although this Gourami is typically passive, it may be combative with elegantly-finned fishes such as the Betta (Betta splendens), and Guppy (Poecilia reticulata).

Fecundity: This bubble-nest builder can produce up to 1000 eggs per clutch. It is largely beneficial to include floating, aquatic plants in the breeding tank as the male Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami will utilize them to help construct a nest.

Preferred Water Chemistry: Neutral (6.2 to 8.2 pH), intermediate water hardness (6 to 18dGH)

Aquarium Diet (omnivore): Brine shrimp, blackworms, general flakes, omnivore pellet, Spirulina

Dimorphism: The male Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami will have an elongated, slightly more pointy dorsal fin. The male will also display a deep red body coloration when ready to reproduce. The female Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami will have a short, rounded dorsal fin, and will maintain basic coloration. Once mature, the female will also take on a more gravid appearance.

Compatibility: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is typically compatible with other peaceful fish species that include Dwarf Gourami, Corydoras, Tetra, Danio, Rasbora, Dwarf Rainbowfish, and Pencilfish.