Dwarf Gourami

The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster fasciata, formerly Colisa lalia) is a popular community fish available in several domesticated color strains. In the wild, they inhabit regions across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. These fish are peaceful toward other species, though males can be territorial during breeding. They thrive in well-planted aquariums with plenty of cover and gentle water flow. Males are generally more brightly colored with pointed fin extensions, while females are more rounded. Due to susceptibility to 'Dwarf Gourami Disease' (iridiovirus) in some commercial strains, careful sourcing is recommended. They are bubblenest builders; during spawning, the male constructs a thick nest of floating plants and bubbles where he fertilizes and protects up to 600 eggs.