Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a tiny and extraordinarily beautiful nano gourami — at under 1.5 inches, one of the smallest gouramis available. Under good lighting, the body displays a constellation of iridescent blue-green and red-gold sparkle across the scales — an effect that fully justifies the name. Like its larger relative the Croaking Gourami, it produces an audible sound during courtship and territorial displays.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Baby and Hikari Micro Pellets soaked briefly make excellent daily staples — small particle size matters for this nano species. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts multiple times daily.

Native to slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters of Southeast Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and surrounding areas. Inhabits very shallow, still to slow water with dense planting and floating vegetation. A nano planted aquarium with Indian almond leaves, dense planting, and subdued lighting is ideal.

Keep in pairs or small groups. Males display and 'purr' with a soft croaking sound during courtship. Peaceful and suitable for nano community setups with other very small, gentle species — CPDs, small rasboras, nano corydoras. Avoid any active or boisterous fish that will stress this tiny, delicate species.

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