Giant Sparkling Gourami

Giant Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis schalleri) is the larger relative of the Sparkling Gourami — sharing the same iridescent sparkle body pattern and audible croaking sound production, but at nearly twice the size. The body displays vivid iridescent blue and green highlights with reddish tones in the fins. The 'giant' designation is relative — at just under 3 inches it is still a small gourami, but substantially more robust than T. pumila.

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 Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Native to slow-moving waters of Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asia. Inhabits vegetated streams and ponds. Like the Sparkling Gourami, it produces audible sounds during courtship and territorial interactions — but at a size that allows it to be kept with a broader range of community fish.

Keep in pairs or small groups. More suitable for standard community tanks than the tiny Sparkling Gourami. Peaceful and compatible with small to medium-sized community fish. Dense planting and floating plants are appreciated.

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