Sparkling Gourami Care Guide 101: Size, & More | Updated 2024

Sparkling Gouramis are a type of fish that is found in Southeast Asia. They are popular aquarium fish because of their bright colors and playful personality.

They are easily one of our most beautiful freshwater fish and are perfect for any aquarium. But for some reason, they're often overlooked. And in our opinion, that's a shame!

In this article, we will take a closer look at Sparkling Gourami and discuss some of the things you need to consider before adding them to your tank.

So if you're considering adding Sparkling Gouramis to your tank, read on. We'll tell you everything you need to know about these fantastic fish.

Sparkling Gourami: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Trichopsis pumila
Common name:	Pygmy Gourami, Sparkling Gourami
Family:	Osphronemidae
Origin:	Southeast Asia
Water temperature:	76°-82° Fahrenheit (25°-28° Celsius)
Nature:	Peaceful
Lifespan:	4-5 years
Size:	1.6 inches
Minimum tank size:	10 gallons
pH range:	6.0 - 7.0
Water Hardness:	5 - 19 dGH
Water Type:	Fresh
Care Level:	Easy
Compatibility:	Excellent
Diet:	Omnivorous, eats mostly pellets and live foods

Sparkling Gourami: Appearance

As their common name suggests, Sparkling Gouramis are very brightly colored. They have a blue body with a yellow stripe from the nose to the tail. They also have a bright red coloration on their fins, which stands out against the blue background.

Their colors are even more pronounced when they are in breeding conditions. They are one of the most colorful freshwater fish available. They have a playful personality and are constantly swimming around. They are one of the most popular aquarium fish for this reason.

Aside from their ease of care and peaceful nature, their beautiful colors are probably the biggest reason for their popularity. True to their name, they are genuinely sparkling fish! Their bodies are long and slender, and they have torpedo-shaped bodies.

Their dorsal fins are thin and extend almost the entire body. They also have a large anal fin and two small pelvic fins. The fish's caudal fin is forked and has a deep blue color. This color and patterning are what give the fish their name.

Sparkling Gourami: Habitat

Sparkling Gouramis are found in Southeast Asia in slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and rivers. They prefer areas with dense vegetation where they can find plenty of cover and security. And in the wild, they are often seen swimming among the lily pads.

Sparkling Gourami: Size & Growth Rate

The average Sparkling Gourami size is about 1.6 inches, but they can grow up to 2 inches in length. They grow mediumly and will reach maturity within 18 to 24 months.

Their size is one of the reasons they are such popular aquarium fish. They are small enough to fit in most tanks but big enough to be interesting.

Sparkling Gourami: Lifespan

Sparkling Gouramis have a lifespan of 4 to 5 years. That's a long time for a freshwater fish! But this depends on the water quality and diet of the fish. If they are well cared for, they can live long and healthy life. This lifespan is right in line with most other aquarium fish.

Sparkling Gourami: Breeding

The Sparkling Gourami is a popular fish for breeding. The males are brightly colored fish with long fins, while the females are dull brown. The males are the ones that will build the bubble nests, and they are also the ones that will care for the eggs once they are laid.

The eggs will hatch in about 24 to 48 hours, and the fry can swim and eat on its own within a few days. The fry can be fed various things, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms.

You’ll know things are going well when you see the males caring for the eggs. The bubble nests will become more significant and numerous, and the males will become aggressive toward other fish in the tank.

The Sparkling Gourami is a popular fish for breeding because they are easy to breed, and the fry is very easy to care for. If you are interested in breeding Sparkling Gouramis, ask your local pet store for more information.

Sparkling Gourami: Behavior & Temperament

The Sparkling Gourami is a lively and active fish that loves to swim. They will do well in most community tanks but should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish.

These fish are relatively active and playful and can be entertaining to watch. They are social fish and should be kept in schools of at least 3 to 4 fish. If you are unsure what fish to put in your tank, ask the pet store employee for advice, or drop a comment below in the comment sections.

Since they must be kept in schools, buying them in pairs or trios is best. Depending on their comfort level in their tank, they may start school together or stay separated. These are small fish, so they don’t need much space.

Shoaling is a behavior exhibited by many fish in which a group gathers nearby. It is thought that shoaling provides some benefits to the fish, such as increased predator detection and reduced aggression. The Sparkling Gourami is a social fish and will exhibit this behavior when kept in groups of 3 to 4 or more.

We have talked about the male and female Sparkling Gourami. The males are brightly colored fish with long fins, while the females are dull brown. The males are the ones that will build the bubble nests, and they are also the ones that will care for the eggs once they are laid.

Sparkling Gourami: Food & Diet

Sparkling Gouramis are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including both live and frozen food. Be sure to provide them with a balanced diet to ensure they stay healthy.

Some good examples of live food include:

• Brine shrimp: Brine shrimp is a popular fish food at most pet stores.
• Daphnia: Daphnia is a small, freshwater crustacean that is a popular fish food.
• Bloodworms: Bloodworms are a type often used as feeder fish.

Some good examples of frozen food include:

• Mysis shrimp: Mysis shrimp are a popular fish food found at most pet stores.
• Prawns: Prawns are a type of shrimp that is often used as feeder fish.
• Fish fry: Fish fry is a type of fish that is often used as a feeder fish.
• Krill: Krill is a shrimp often used as a feeder fish.
• Plankton: Plankton is algae often used as a feeder fish.
• Cyclops: Cyclops is a type of crustacean that is often used as a feeder fish.

It’s also good to mix in some veggies occasionally, such as blanched zucchini or spinach.

It is essential to provide your fish with a balanced diet to ensure they stay healthy. Be sure to provide them with a variety of food, including both live and frozen food.

Sparkling Gourami: Diet Foods To Avoid

• Sugar: Sugar can cause health problems for fish and should be avoided.
• Fats & Oils: Fats and oils can cause health problems for fish and should be avoided.
• Cereals: Cereals can cause health problems for fish and should be avoided.
• Bread: Bread can cause health problems for fish and should be avoided.

There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding your Sparkling Gouramis. Sugar, fats and oils, cereals, and bread can all cause health problems for fish and should be avoided. If you are unsure what foods to feed your fish, ask the pet store employee for advice.

Sparkling Gourami: Care

Sparkling Gourami care is easy, making them an excellent choice for beginners. These fish are relatively hardy and can tolerate various water conditions.

Sparkling Gourami does best in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places. A heavily vegetated tank is ideal as they swim among the plants. However, it’s still essential to provide some open areas for swimming. Even the most well-planted tank should have a few open spaces.

Sparkling Gourami: Tank Size

A tank size of 10 to 15 gallons is recommended for a group of Sparkling Gouramis. This will give them plenty of space to swim and explore.

Also, the difference in size between the sexes is quite noticeable, so it's best to keep at least one male and one female per tank. If you have more than one male in a tank, they will fight for dominance.

Sparkling Gourami: Water Parameters

Sparkling Gouramis do well in a wide range of water conditions. They can tolerate a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 and a water hardness of up to 19 dGH. They are freshwater fish and should only be kept in tanks with fresh water.

• Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for Sparkling Gouramis is 76° to 82° Fahrenheit (25° to 28° Celsius). They can tolerate various temperatures but do best in the warmer end of the spectrum.

• Water Changes: Sparkling Gouramis should receive a 25% water change weekly. This will help keep their water parameters stable and healthy.

To keep your Sparkling Gourami healthy and happy, provide them with a well-planted tank and regular water changes.

Filtration

Sparkling Gouramis do best in a well-filtered tank. A sound filtration system will keep the water clean and clear. Changing the filter media regularly is essential to keep it working correctly.

You can use an under gravel filter, a canister filter, or an internal power filter for your Sparkling Gourami tank.

Some recommended filters for Sparkling Gouramis are:

• HOB Filters: Hang-on-back filters are probably the most popular type of aquarium filter. They are easy to use and maintain, and they come in a variety of sizes. HOB filters hang on the back of the tank and can be fitted with various filter media, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filters.
• Canister Filters: Canister filters are another popular type of aquarium filter. They are larger than HOB filters and can filter more water. They come with various filter media, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filters.
• Sponge Filters: Sponge filters are a type of biological filter. They are simple to use and maintain, and they come in a variety of sizes. Sponge filters hang on the back of the tank and are filled with sponge material, providing a large surface area for bacteria to grow.
• Internal Power Filters: Internal power filters are another type of biological filter. They are small, compact, and easy to use. They fit inside the tank and are powered by an internal motor. Internal power filters come with various filter media, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filters.
• Wet/Dry Filters: Wet/dry filters combine wet and dry filters. They filter large amounts of water and come with various filter media, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filters.
• Trickle or Drip Filters: Trickle or drip filters are a type of chemical filter. They are simple to use and maintain, and they come in a variety of sizes. Trickle or drip filters attach to the side of the tank and use a slow drip of water to filter the aquarium water.
• Refugiums: Refugiums are a filtration system used to grow live plants in an aquarium. They come in various sizes and can be used in freshwater and saltwater tanks. Refugiums are a great way to filter the aquarium water and provide a place for live plants to grow.

Heater

Sparkling Gouramis do best in a tank with a stable water temperature. You can use a heater to help keep the water temperature at the ideal range for Sparkling Gouramis.

You can use an adjustable or preset heater to heat your aquarium water.

Some recommended heaters for Sparkling Gouramis are:

• Adjustable Heaters: Adjustable heaters allow you to set the water temperature at the desired level. They come in various sizes and can be used for freshwater and saltwater tanks.
• Preset Heaters: Preset heaters have a specific water temperature that they maintain. They are used mainly for freshwater tanks and come in various sizes.

Be sure to provide them with a stable water temperature tank. You can use a heater to help keep the water at the right temperature. Use an adjustable or preset heater to heat your aquarium water.

Lighting

Sparkling Gouramis do best in a tank with bright, indirect light. You can use a variety of lighting fixtures to provide the right amount of light for your aquarium.

Some recommended Lighting for Sparkling Gouramis are:

• Fluorescent Lights: Fluorescent lights are a common type of aquarium light. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are relatively inexpensive.
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights: HID lights are a type of aquarium light that provides a high level of light intensity. They are more expensive than other lights, but they are the best option for providing high light levels to an aquarium.
• LED Lights: LED lights are a newer type of aquarium light that provides a high light intensity and is more energy-efficient than other types of lights.

Be sure to provide them with a tank that has bright, indirect light. You can use a variety of lighting fixtures to provide the right amount of light for your aquarium. Be sure to light your aquarium with fluorescent, HID, or LED lights.

Aquarium Decor

Sparkling Gouramis do best when they have plenty of places to hide and swim. You can use a variety of aquarium decor to provide them with a place to hide and swim.

Some recommended aquarium decor for Sparkling Gouramis are:

• Plant Decor: Plant decor is a great way to add interest to an aquarium and give your fish a hiding place. It also helps to oxygenate the water and provide a place for beneficial bacteria to grow.
• Decorative Rocks: Decorative rocks are a popular type of aquarium decor. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used to create exciting designs in an aquarium.
• Metal Decor: The metal decor is a new type of aquarium made from metal. It is a great way to add interest to an aquarium and give your fish a hiding place.

To keep your Sparkling Gouramis happy, be sure to use a variety of aquarium decor. You can use plant decor, decorative rocks, and metal decor to create a beautiful and exciting aquarium.

Sparkling Gourami: Other Tank Accessories

In addition to a sound filtration system and aquarium decor, there are a few other accessories that you will need to keep your tank running smoothly.

Some recommended tank accessories for Sparkling Gouramis are:

• Thermometer: A thermometer is a must-have for any aquarium. It is used to monitor the water's temperature and ensure it is within the desired range.
• Hygrometer: A hygrometer monitors the humidity level in an aquarium. Keeping the humidity level within the desired range is important to prevent your fish from getting sick.
• pH Meter: A pH meter is used to monitor the pH level of the water. Keeping the pH level within the desired range is important to prevent your fish from getting sick.

To keep your Sparkling Gouramis healthy and happy, be sure to use a thermometer, hygrometer, and pH meter to monitor the water conditions in your aquarium. These accessories are essential for keeping your tank running smoothly.

Sparkling Gourami: Cleaning The Tank

It is important to clean your tank on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly and prevent the growth of harmful algae.

Some recommended ways to clean the tank are:

• Algae: Algae is a common problem in aquariums and can be difficult to get rid of. It can quickly cover the sides of the tank and reduce the amount of light that reaches the plants and fish.
• Harmful Algae: Harmful algae can be dangerous for fish and can cause a variety of health problems. It is important to remove it from the tank as soon as possible.
• Cleaning Accessories: In order to clean your tank, you will need a few cleaning accessories. These include a net, gravel cleaner, and algae scraper.

To keep your tank running smoothly, be sure to clean it on a regular basis. Remove any algae that may have grown on the sides of the tank and make sure the water temperature and pH level are within the desired range. You can use a net, gravel cleaner, and algae scraper to clean your tank.

Sparkling Gourami: Common Possible Diseases

There are a few common diseases that can affect Sparkling Gouramis. It is important to be aware of these diseases and take steps to prevent them from affecting your fish.

Some of these diseases are:

• Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases are caused by fungi and can be deadly to fish. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and lesions on the body.
• Parasitic Diseases: Parasitic diseases are caused by parasites and can harm fish. Symptoms include white spots on the body, swollen eyes, and abnormal behavior.
• Viral Diseases: Viral diseases are caused by a virus and can be deadly to fish. Symptoms include discoloration of the skin, lesions, and abnormal behavior.

It is important to be aware of the common diseases that can affect Sparkling Gouramis and take steps to prevent them from affecting your fish. If your fish appear sick, take them to a veterinarian for treatment.

Sparkling Gourami: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your fish are diagnosed with a disease, the veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the illness.

Some of these treatments and medications are:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial diseases.
• Antifungals: Antifungals are used to treat fungal diseases.
• Parasiticides: Parasiticides are used to treat parasitic diseases.
• Viruses: There is no known treatment for viruses.

The most common way to prevent these diseases is to maintain a healthy aquarium environment. Use a thermometer, hygrometer, and pH meter to monitor the water conditions, and be sure to clean the tank on a regular basis.

If your fish are diagnosed with a disease, the veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the illness. Make sure to administer the medication as prescribed to ensure that the fish recover from the disease.

Sparkling Gourami: Tank Mates

The Sparkling Gourami is a peaceful and timid fish that does well in most community tanks. They should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish but can be housed with other peaceful fish.

Some good tank mates for the Sparkling Gourami include:

• Betta fish: The betta fish is a popular fish that can be kept with the Sparkling Gourami.
• Neon tetras: Neon tetras are small, colorful fish that make a good addition to any tank.
• Cory catfish: Cory catfish are small, bottom-dwelling catfish that make a good addition to any tank.
• Guppies: Guppies are small, colorful fish that can be kept with them.
• Platies: Platies are small, colorful fish that can be kept with them.
• Danios: Danios are small, colorful fish that can be kept with them.

The biggest thing to look out for when choosing tank mates is aggression. Make sure to choose fish that are non-aggressive and will get along with the Sparkling Gourami.

Sparkling Gourami: Fish to Avoid

There are a few fish that you should avoid housing with your Sparkling Gourami.

These include:

• Angelfish: Angelfish are large, aggressive fish that should not be housed with the Sparkling Gourami.
• Barbs: Barbs are small, colorful fish that can be kept with the Sparkling Gourami. However, there are some barb species that can be aggressive and should be avoided.
• Cichlids: Cichlids are large, aggressive fish that should not be housed with the Sparkling Gourami.
• Tetras: Tetras is a small, colorful fish that can be kept with the Sparkling Gourami. However, there are some tetra species that can be aggressive and should be avoided.

These are just a few examples of fish that should not be housed with Sparkling Gourami. If you are not sure what fish to put in your tank, ask the pet store employee for advice.

Advantages Of Having Sparkling Gourami In Your Tank

• The first advantage of having Sparkling Gourami in your tank is that they are peaceful and will not fight with other fish. They are also very timid fish, so they will not bother anyone.
• The second advantage is that they are very colorful fish. They come in various colors, including red, blue, green, and purple. This makes them a prevalent fish for tanks.
• The third advantage is that they are small fish. This means they will not take up a lot of space in your tank, and you can have more fish.
• The fourth advantage is that they are very hardy fish. This means they can tolerate various water conditions and will not get sick quickly.
• The fifth advantage is that they are good fish for beginner fish keepers. They are easy to care for and will not get into fights with other fish.

The Sparkling Gourami is an excellent choice if you want a peaceful, colorful, and hardy fish to add to your tank.

Disadvantages Of Having Sparkling Gourami In Your Tank

The disadvantage of having Sparkling Gourami in your tank is that they are small fish. This means that they may get bullied by larger fish in the tank.

Another disadvantage is that they are timid fish and will not come out to greet you. This can frustrate some people who like interacting with their fish.

Conclusion

The Sparkling Gourami is one of the best fish to add to your tank. They are peaceful, colorful, and hardy. They also make excellent breeding fish. Although a minor disadvantage is that larger fish can bully them, their advantages far outweigh this.

The Sparkling Gourami is an excellent choice if you want a great fish to add to your tank. Thanks for reading!