Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a tiny and beautiful freshwater labyrinth fish known for its shimmering blue-green colors, red accents, peaceful nature, and unique vocal behavior. These nano gouramis can make soft chirping or croaking sounds during social interactions, making them one of the most interesting small fish for planted aquariums.
Despite their small size, Sparkling Gouramis are full of personality. They do best in calm, well-planted aquariums with gentle filtration, floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Their iridescent colors stand out beautifully under aquarium lighting, especially in aquascaped nano tanks.
Key Features
- Tiny freshwater labyrinth fish
- Shimmering blue-green and red coloration
- Peaceful nano community fish
- Known for soft chirping or croaking sounds
- Great for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Perfect for small peaceful aquariums
- Grows up to about 1.5 inches
Care Requirements
- Scientific Name: Trichopsis pumila
- Common Name: Sparkling Gourami
- Adult Size: Around 1.5 inches
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Diet: Omnivore
- Swimming Level: Middle to top
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water Flow: Gentle flow preferred
Diet
Sparkling Gouramis are omnivores and need small foods that fit their tiny mouths. Feed micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, frozen foods, live foods, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and other small foods. A varied diet helps support color, health, and natural behavior.
Tank Setup Tips
- Use live plants, floating plants, and dense vegetation for cover.
- Keep water movement gentle, as Sparkling Gouramis prefer calm conditions.
- Provide hiding places with driftwood, plants, caves, or leaf litter.
- Keep a lid on the aquarium, but leave access to the surface for breathing.
- A mature, stable aquarium is best for long-term success.
- Best kept in pairs or small peaceful groups when space allows.
Good Tank Mates
- Chili Rasboras
- Other peaceful nano rasboras
- Small peaceful tetras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Small peaceful snails
- Adult shrimp
- Other calm nano community fish
Tank Mates to Avoid
- Large fish
- Aggressive fish
- Fin-nipping species
- Fast or boisterous tank mates
- Fish large enough to eat them
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sparkling Gouramis live with shrimp?
Sparkling Gouramis are generally safe with adult shrimp. Very tiny shrimplets may be eaten, so moss, plants, and hiding areas are helpful if shrimp are breeding in the tank.
Do Sparkling Gouramis need strong filtration?
No. Sparkling Gouramis prefer gentle water movement and calm conditions. A sponge filter or gentle filtration setup works well for this species.
Do Sparkling Gouramis need access to air?
Yes. Sparkling Gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they can breathe atmospheric air from the surface. Keep the aquarium covered, but make sure they can reach the surface easily.
Are Sparkling Gouramis good for beginners?
They can be good for beginners with stable water conditions, gentle filtration, and peaceful tank mates. Because they are small, a mature aquarium is recommended.
Do Sparkling Gouramis really make sounds?
Yes. Sparkling Gouramis can produce soft chirping or croaking sounds during social interactions, courtship, or displays.
What size tank do Sparkling Gouramis need?
A 10-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended. They do best in planted tanks with calm areas, hiding spots, and access to the water surface.
Shop Sparkling Gouramis at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Sparkling Gouramis are tiny, peaceful, and colorful freshwater labyrinth fish that make a beautiful addition to planted nano aquariums and calm community tanks. Shop Sparkling Gouramis and other freshwater gouramis at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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