Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size4.5"
Minimum tank30 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group1+
- temperature77-82F
- pH6-7.5
- water_hardnessGH 2-15 dGH | KH 1-8 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilityintermediate
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Pearl Gourami, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the topmiddle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesLarger gourami with a calm reputation; still a labyrinth fish that needs space, cover, and careful tankmate choice.
- caveatAdult size of 4-5 inches means a 30-gallon-plus tank with horizontal length — not a nano fish despite calm temperament.
- caveatMales can become territorial as they mature, especially with multiple males; keep one male per tank or provide significant sightline breaks.
- caveatPair with calm medium-sized community fish (rasboras, larger tetras, peaceful corys); avoid fin-nippers and tiny prey-sized tankmates.
- caveatNeeds a calm top-water zone with low surface current for labyrinth breathing; floating plants are appreciated.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettagreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Malaysian Trumpet Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ramshorn Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Horned Nerite Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Honey Gouramigreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Assassin Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ivory Mystery Snailgreencompatible | minimum 30 galCheck this pair in the planner ->