About The Pearl Gourami
The pearl gourami, also known as the lace or diamond gourami, tends to be an easy and hardy fish great for beginner aquarists. In their natural environment these fish tend to inhabit slow moving waters in lakes and small streams.
Size, Lifespan, and Tank Requirements
Pearl gourami’s can get up to 4-5 inches and can live as long as 8 years if properly cared for, although the average is 4-5 years, and they do require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.
They are typically known to be a mid to upper level swimmer, and they are a labyrinth fish so you will occasionally see them come up to the surface for air.
The ideal temperature range for pearl gouramis is between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a pH of between 5.5-7.5.
Personality
Pearl Gouramis are usually considered a peaceful community fish, but they typically do best with smaller peaceful schooling fish such as neon tetras, or peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras. Larger faster fish or fish that are known to be fin nippers are best avoided as they could stress your gourami.
These fish are considered to be a social fish, although they are often kept on their own, it is often best to keep them in a group of 4 or more. When keeping more than one pearl gourami however, you will want to consider the male to female ratio. Shoals do best if a ratio of 1 male to 3 females is kept, to avoid males fighting.
Sexing
Male gouramis are usually smaller and thinner than females. Females have a more rounded belly than males. The dorsal fin is the biggest difference between males and females. The females have a short round fin, while the male has a longer dorsal fin that comes to a point.