Pearl gums (Trichogaster Leerii)

Pearl gouramis (Trichogaster leerii) are a great option if you want to add a splash of color and elegance to your aquarium. These fish, which are prized for their glistening scales and calm disposition, can add beauty and vibrancy to a freshwater aquarium. Pearl gouramis are native to Southeast Asia and are a popular choice for both beginning and seasoned aquarists due to their eye-catching appearance and ease of maintenance.

These fish get their name from the iridescent, pearl-like spots all over their bodies, which produce an eye-catching rainbow of hues. Their fins are also very beautiful, and they frequently swim with elegant, flowing motions. Pearl gouramis feel safe and at ease in their surroundings when they are in well-planted aquariums with lots of hiding places.

The peaceful, non-aggressive nature of pearl gouramis is one of their best features. They get along with a range of other fish species and thrive in communal tanks. They can tolerate a variety of water conditions because they are also fairly hardy, though they do prefer a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral and a well-maintained tank.

Overall, pearl gouramis might be the ideal fish for you if you’re looking for something that blends beauty with a calm disposition. They’re a great option to bring some color and life to your aquarium because of their striking appearance and kind disposition.

Pearl gouramis, or Trichogaster leerii, are a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium because of their calm disposition and vivid colors. These fish add a touch of elegance to your tank in addition to being stunning with their shimmering scales and flowing fins. Pearl gouramis are a great option for both inexperienced and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts due to their adaptability and comparatively low care requirements. This post will discuss their special qualities, the best circumstances for their tanks, and maintenance advice.

Habitat and habitat

Asia includes Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra), Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula.

At present, there are registered introduced populations residing in both Singapore and Columbia. These days, wild fish are uncommon because most of them are bred for trade.

It is found in biotopes with dark, acidic (pH about 4.5) water, typically in coastal areas, among dense vegetation, in swamps and channels with a weak current.

Description

The long, elongated, silvery-violet body is compressed laterally and has light spots that resemble pearls all over it.

The fins have the same patterns. The species got its name from this coloring characteristic. The fins are blue, and the back is yellow-brown. A dark stripe runs the length of the body. Orange is seen in the throat and chest.

The ventral fins are long, thin threads that are extremely sensitive touch organs. The anal fin is elongated, nearly reaching the caudal fin from the ventral fins. The pectoral fins are transparent and colorless. The mouth is not very big.

Size:

The standard length limit is 12 cm.

Behavior and compatibility

Among the calmest gouramis and a great addition to a carefully chosen aquarium community. Avoid keeping fish with highly energetic or aggressive fish as this will make them timid.

Can be kept in groups or pairs; in the latter instance, intriguing behavioral interactions will occur. To prevent male rivalry, there ought to be a greater number of females.

Aquarium

An aquarium this size, measuring 90 by 30 cm, will be sufficient for a small gathering.

A thicket-forming aquarium with plenty of vegetation that still allows room for swimming. A more natural feel can also be achieved by adding some driftwood, such as roots or branches, and floating plants to diffuse the light entering the aquarium. Other plants, such as Thai fern or different kinds of moss, can be attached to driftwood and used as planting vessels.

Sand works well as an aquarium substrate.

Since these fish require access to air, keep the aquarium well-covered and avoid filling it all the way to the top. A lid is required to maintain the temperature of the air at the surface; otherwise, colds may result.

Water parameters:

24 to 30 degrees Celsius pH range: 5.5 to 8.0 Hardness range: 5–19° dGH

Every week, a quarter of the water is replaced. Although filtration is required, there shouldn’t be a lot of current.

Feeding

Omnivorous; while it does not reject dry or plant food, it does favor live and frozen food. Brine shrimp, tubifex, bloodworms, corethra, and cyclops form the foundation of the diet. The food should be the right size for the fish, as it has a very small mouth. You can feed them small crustaceans in between spawnings.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are larger, brighter, and have a longer, sharper dorsal fin than females. It is during the mating season that gender differences are most noticeable. The man’s body literally glows with pearl spots, and his throat and chest turn scarlet.

Fish that are older than a year may not produce any offspring at all, but sexual maturity happens at 8 months.

Breeding

In order to produce a fully developed litter, a spawning tank containing 20–40 liters of settled water and multiple female shelters is filled with a large number of floating plants that spawn in pairs.

The male and female are housed apart for a week prior to spawning, during which time they are fed bloodworms and tubifex.

In the spawning tank, the temperature is 28°C, pH is 7, and dH is 4–8. You can encourage sprouting by adding one-third distilled water.

The female is added to the spawning aquarium after a few hours, following the addition of the male. Using bits of plant and bubbles of air, the male constructs a nest.

The spawning process then starts when he guides the female to the nest. The floating eggs are carefully placed in the nest by the male. The fertility of these fish is low—no more than 300 eggs. The female is then taken out.

The incubation period lasts between 24 and 48 hours and is dependent on the temperature. When the fry start to swim, which should happen in another four to five days, the male should also be taken out.

The fry create a labyrinth organ when the water level is reduced to 10 cm. Installing light aeration is an option, particularly if there are a lot of fry. They first accept live dust, such as infusoria and rotifers; after a few days, larger food, such as microworms and Artemia nauplii, is acceptable.

Large fry must be removed to prevent cannibalism because they grow quickly but unevenly.

It is a species that has a long lifespan and can survive for at least eight years in an aquarium.

To sum up, Trichogaster leerii, also known as pearl gouramis, are a wonderful addition to any aquarium. They stand out thanks to their vivid colors and distinctive patterns, and community tanks would benefit greatly from their tranquil nature. Their shimmering scales and elegant swimming add a touch of refinement to your underwater environment.

Pearl gouramis require very simple maintenance. They do best in a clean, well-stocked tank with lots of plants and hiding places. These fish can be kept happy and healthy by giving them a varied diet and stable water conditions. For many aquarists, they are also an adaptable option due to their compatibility with a broad variety of tank mates.

In conclusion, pearl gouramis are unquestionably something to think about if you’re trying to add elegance and serenity to your aquarium. Their endearing looks and laid-back demeanor will undoubtedly improve your aquatic setting. You’ll enjoy their company for many years to come as long as you remember to give them the care and attention they require.

Video on the topic

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