Pearl Gouramis

[Lizzie71]

I am thinking of getting pearl gouramis for my new 2 foot planted tank. I was wondering whether they would be happier in pairs, or a trio 1m 2f or maybe just a single male?

Tank mates would probably be a nice shoal of 6-8 smaller tetras, and maybe a small plec.

I have read conflicting things about minimum tank size - is my tank actually big enough for pearl gouramis - it is about 14 UK gallons.

 

[Biulu]

Yes, your tank is big enough for pearl gouramis. Count on around 10 gallons (US) per gourami. If you are taking a trio (1 male, 2 females) it is a bit smallish, but I think you will be ok. Do make sure though that you have enough decor (plants, rocks, wood) so you have sufficient hiding places.

If you do not feel comfortable with it, then just restrict yourself to 1 male.

 

[scooterchick]

Pearl gourami's can get quite big, I had my male in a 17 gallon temporarily and he hated it, he visibly looked far too big for the tank.

What about a smaller type?

 

[Strippy]

Dwarf, honey or Thicklipped would suit it abit more but a Trichogaster leeri (Pearl Gourami ) can get around 10-12 cm and need around a 90 litre + tank

Strippy

 

[MitchMan]

I would not keep a Pearl Gourami in anything smaller then a US 20 Gallon tank, which is what I keep mine in.

Like cichlids, pearls will either be aggressive or passive. Unfortunately, I've got the former. You should watch for aggression, and provide some hiding spots.

Feed them a varied diet, and try to keep up on water chances.


Note: When I first got my pearls, I had a pair. Unfortunately, I had insufficient hiding spots for the female, and she was eventually killed by the male, so just try to provide resting spots!

 

[Gill]

I agree, When i moved my Pearls into a smaller tank for a while they hated it and sulked.
They Love the amount of space that they have available in the 90G and there Colors are amazing on the Dominant Male.
I have 2 Females and 2 males, I am looking to add another Female but i can only find small females around 2 inches long.

 

[matt295]

i had a pair in my 35 gallon and they loved it. i wouldn't put them in anything under than a 30 US gallon tank. Do you know how to sex them? the males have a redder belly i think. I am looking at sparkling gouramis for my 20 gallon with cpd's and they are really nice. you could get some of them

 

[MitchMan]

i had a pair in my 35 gallon and they loved it. i wouldn't put them in anything under than a 30 US gallon tank. Do you know how to sex them? the males have a redder belly i think. I am looking at sparkling gouramis for my 20 gallon with cpd's and they are really nice. you could get some of them

Males have redder bellies, and their anal fins are more sharper.

 

[Behold]

pearls like to dart around once in a while and will prefer length on a tank. i have 1m 1f and they are happy together. so much so im gonna try preading them now my male is mature. you have to love there dorsal fin...

 

[Nim]

I may be wrong or my pearls were different, but I think a trio would do ok in a 2ft tank as long as there is plenty of hiding place for the females when the male gets aggressive. It would be ideal to have plenty of plant thickets but pearns IMO are probably one of the most peaceful gouramis. If it was a gold gourami or similar then I would not recomend it at all but it certainly is worth a try.

Nim