Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami, is a color variation of the Dwarf Gourami, and is a peaceful, shy fish. If in a pair the two fish will swim together. The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami has a bright iridescent sheen to its body, more prominent in the male. The coloration of the male is a vivid turquoise blue with orange-red stripes. Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis are considered Labyrinth Fish, meaning they are capable of breathing directly from the air. As such you can on occasion, witness the Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami rise to the water surface to take a gulp of fresh air.

Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis do best in a tank that is 10 gallons or larger. The aquarium should be heavily planted and have at least part of the surface covered with floating plants. A darker substrate will help show-off the gourami's colors, and peat filtration is recommended. Regular water changes are a must, as this gourami can be susceptible to disease. They should not be kept with large, aggressive fish, but would enjoy the company of other small, peaceful fish as well as fellow gouramis. Loud noises often scare them, so the tank should be in a quiet area.

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is a bubble nest builder that uses plants to help bind together the bubbles. Besides the difference in color, the sex can be determined by the dorsal fin. The male's dorsal fin is pointed, the female's is rounded. The water level should be reduced to 8 inches during spawning, and the temperature should be approximately 82°F. After spawning the female should be moved to a different tank. The male will tend to the eggs and fry, and when the fry are 2-3 days old the male should also be removed. When first hatched, the fry should be fed infusoria, and later, brine shrimp and finely ground flakes. Freeze-dried tablets may also be fed to older fry.

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis are an omnivore and prefers both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"

Care details

• Temperature: 75 - 86° F
• dKH: 0 - 25
• Color: Blue, Orange and Red
• Family: Belontiidae
• Diet: Omnivore