Dwarf gourami

Trichogaster lalius

A red-and-blue male with long, threadlike pelvic fins

The male has alternating red and blue markings and threadlike pelvic fins; colour varies with sex and cultivated form.

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow streams, rivulets and lakes with abundant vegetation.

Social behaviour and territory

Prefer one male in a small aquarium; multiple males may fight.

Males can be territorial toward one another; small shrimp and fry may be eaten.

Start at about 40 L for a single male; a community aquarium should be larger.

Provide planting, cover and access to the surface. Air breathing does not replace mature filtration.

Offer small pellets, frozen foods and some plant-based food.

Sources