Flame Dwarf Gourami

Flame Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) displays a vivid flame-red to orange-red body — the standard orange-red coloration of the Dwarf Gourami taken to its most intense expression through selective breeding. The flame-red body with iridescent blue fin highlights creates one of the most striking of all Dwarf Gourami forms. The Dwarf Gourami is one of the most iconic and beloved small gouramis in the freshwater hobby — a compact, peaceful, and brilliantly colored labyrinth fish that has been a staple of planted community aquariums for decades. All color morphs share the same care requirements and the same endearing personality.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites to enhance coloration. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Provide floating plants — males use them as anchor points for bubble nests and feel more secure with surface cover.

Note on Dwarf Gourami health: Trichogaster lalius can be susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), a viral condition documented in commercially bred populations. There is no treatment, but fish from quality sources kept in excellent water conditions with low stress are significantly less likely to be affected. Purchasing from reputable suppliers, maintaining pristine water quality, and avoiding overcrowding are the best preventative measures. The other gouramis in this family — Honey Gouramis (T. chuna) and Thick-Lipped Gouramis (T. labiosa) — are not susceptible to DGIV.

Native to the slow-moving, densely vegetated rivers, streams, and rice paddies of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — the Ganges and Brahmaputra drainages. Wild fish inhabit heavily planted water with gentle flow and floating vegetation. In the aquarium, dense planting with floating plants at the surface, gentle filtration, and subdued lighting produces the most relaxed and vividly colored fish.

Keep one male per tank, or in a larger well-planted aquarium with multiple females. Males are territorial with each other and will fight persistently in confined spaces. Peaceful with virtually all other community fish — a classic and rewarding centerpiece for planted community aquariums. Compatible with small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other peaceful species. Avoid fin-nippers.

Males build floating bubble nests at the surface among plants or floating vegetation when in breeding condition — a fascinating and distinctive behavior. The male courts the female with elaborate fin displays, and the pair spawns beneath the nest. The male guards eggs and wriggling larvae until the fry become free-swimming. Remove the female after spawning to protect her from the male's nest-guarding aggression. All gouramis possess a labyrinth organ — a specialized breathing structure above the gills that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This adaptation evolved for life in oxygen-poor waters and means gouramis can survive in conditions that would stress most other fish. Always ensure unobstructed surface access — a tight-fitting lid with a small gap, or a covered aquarium, prevents the fish from breathing cold air which can cause respiratory issues.

Care & Ideal Parameters