Sparkling Gourami Care Guide: The Croaking Nano Jewel
The sparkling gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is one of the most charming nano fish you can keep — a tiny, jewel-toned labyrinth fish that's famous for the soft croaking sound the males make. At barely an inch and a half long, it's perfect for small planted tanks and peaceful community setups. Here's our complete care guide from the team at Tropical Treasures Wyo.
Sparkling gourami at a glance
Native to slow, vegetated waters across Southeast Asia, the sparkling gourami stays small (about 1.5 inches), lives 4–5 years with good care, and is generally peaceful and a little shy. Like all gouramis it's a labyrinth fish, meaning it gulps air from the surface — so it needs access to the top of the tank. You can usually find them in stock on our sparkling gourami listing, and browse more options in our nano fish collection.
Tank size & setup
A single pair is happy in as little as 5–10 gallons, while a small group does best in 15–20 gallons. These fish are shy and thrive in heavily planted tanks with plenty of cover, gentle flow and some floating plants to diffuse the light. Stock up from our live aquatic plants collection to create the dense, calm environment they love. Always cycle the tank fully first — follow our nitrogen cycle guide before adding any fish.
Water parameters
Sparkling gouramis prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water: a temperature of 76–82°F and a pH around 6.0–7.5. They appreciate stable, mature water and don't love big swings. Cheyenne's tap water runs hard and alkaline, so if you want them at their best, see our aquarium pH guide for ways to soften and stabilize your parameters.
Diet & feeding
These little fish are micro-predators with small mouths, so they do best on tiny, protein-rich foods. Offer crushed micro pellets and small flakes as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live treats like brine shrimp and mysis. Variety keeps their color vivid — explore our fish food collection for options sized to nano fish.
Temperament & tankmates
Peaceful and a touch timid, sparkling gouramis make excellent residents of a calm community tank. Pair them with other gentle nano species and avoid fin-nippers or boisterous fish that will outcompete them at feeding time. They coexist beautifully with dwarf shrimp like cherry shrimp (adult shrimp are safe, though tiny shrimplets may be snacked on). For more pairing ideas see our guide to the best nano fish for planted tanks, and grab tankmates from our shrimp collection.
Breeding
Sparkling gouramis are bubble-nest builders. A mature, well-fed pair in a quiet, densely planted tank will often spawn on their own — the male builds a small bubble nest, frequently under a leaf, and guards the eggs and fry. Keeping the water warm and the tank calm, with plenty of plant cover, gives the fry the best chance. They're a rewarding first gourami to breed.
Are sparkling gouramis right for you?
If you want a peaceful, colorful, characterful fish for a small planted tank — and you'll enjoy hearing the males croak — the sparkling gourami is a fantastic choice. They're a great pick for thoughtful beginners; if you're still building your first community, start with our best beginner fish guide. If you're deciding between gouramis, our honey gourami care guide makes a nice comparison read.
The bottom line
The sparkling gourami packs a lot of personality into a tiny, shimmering body, and it rewards a patient keeper with calm beauty and even a little song. Set up a planted, gentle tank and you'll have a centerpiece nano fish you'll love watching. Swing by the shop in Cheyenne and we'll help you get started.