The Pearl Gourami is a stunning and peaceful freshwater fish that adds a touch of elegance and serenity to any aquarium. With their iridescent pearl-like scales and graceful demeanor, Pearl Gouramis are a popular choice among aquarists who seek a beautiful centerpiece fish for their community tanks. Originating from Southeast Asia, these gouramis are known for their peaceful nature and labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air from the water's surface. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable fish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Pearl-Like Scales: The Pearl Gourami is named for its unique and iridescent pearl-like scales that shimmer with different hues in the light, creating a captivating and elegant appearance.
• Size: They are medium-sized fish, reaching an adult length of around 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 centimeters).

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) to ensure the well-being of Pearl Gouramis.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderately hard water with a hardness level between 5 and 12 dGH.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain excellent water quality.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Pearl Gouramis should be kept in a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) to accommodate their size and provide ample swimming space.
• Aquascape: Create a natural environment with live plants, floating vegetation, and driftwood to mimic their native habitats.
• Peaceful Tank Mates: They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: Pearl Gouramis are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods.
• High-Quality Flakes and Pellets: Offer high-quality flakes or pellets suitable for medium-sized tropical fish as their primary diet.
• Supplementary Foods: Provide occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to supplement their diet.

Care:

• Peaceful Nature: Pearl Gouramis are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful community fish species.
• Labyrinth Organ: As labyrinth fish, they have the ability to breathe air from the water's surface, making a small gap for them to breathe is important.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.