The Pearl Gourami is a peaceful fish that is also known as the Leeri or Lace Gourami. It is one of the most attractive, hardiest, and easy-to-keep species of gourami. The body is stretched out and laterally compressed with ventral fins that are long and thin, having the look of feelers. It is covered with irridescent pearl and brown flecks that give it a 'mother of pearl' appearance. There is a horizontal black line that runs from the lips to the tail, where it ends with a spot. The Pearl Gourami is a Labyrinth Fish. Fish in this group breathe directly from the air and must have access to the surface of the tank.The Pearl Gourami requires a 135L or larger tank with water approximately 30cm deep, and a covering of floating ferns that may be used as hiding places. The substrate should be dark and the light subdued. The ideal tank mates for the Pearl Gourami would be species of similar size and temperament. They should not be housed with aggressive tank mates such as Cichlids. They will hide in a corner, begin to lose colour and may refuse to eat if kept with overly aggressive fish.
It is easy to tell the male from the female because he has extended, pointed dorsal and anal fins, and is more red. Prior to breeding, the pair should be fed live or frozen brine shrimp and worms for conditioning. The water temperature should also be raised to 26°C. When breeding, the water level in the tank should be reduced to 10-12cm. The male will build a bubblenest under which spawning will take place. After spawning the female should be moved to a separate tank. The male Pearl Gourami tends to the eggs, and once the fry are hatched, the male should also be removed.
The fry should be fed liquid food or infusoria culture several times per day. At approximately two weeks, freshly hatched (or frozen) brine shrimp may be offered to the fry. When the fry reach approximately one month, fine flaked foods may be offered. Water should be changed every two to three days, and as the fry grow larger, they should be distributed between several tanks to reduce lethal build up of wastes.
The Pearl Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both-algae based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with frozen and fresh bloodworms and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Colour Form: Clear, White
Diet: Omnivore
Water Conditions: 24-30° C, KH 5-18, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size: 10cm
Family: Belontiidae
Minimum Tank Size: 135L
