Pearl gourami – a species native to Southeast Asian countries – are best known for their hardiness and unique appearances. Thus, lots of aquarists opt for pearl gourami when looking for a tank addition. However, not everyone knows the tricks to ensure their survival and growth.
If you intend to nurture some full-grown pearl gourami at home, make sure to read the following advice and explore the best tips!
Full Grown Pearl Gourami – Basic Understanding
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Size
Pearl gourami are not exactly the biggest fish you can find. That said, they are not as tiny as minnows or mollies. On average, pearl gourami can reach 4 to 5 inches in length, making it ideal for most medium and large tanks.
Still, it should be noted that this size is measured based on the fish’s body length only. Any ventral fins may add 2 to 3 inches to the fish’s measurements.
Appearance
As the name already indicates, pearl gourami stand out with various dots scattering all over their bodies. Even their dorsal and caudal fins are filled with these tiny white spots. While swimming, these dots make for stunning visual effects and make pearl gourami even more alluring.
You can also make out a black line running directly from the fish’s mouth to three-thirds of its body. The difference in colors marks this line and helps you easily identify gourami from other fish.
Last but not least, do not forget about pearl gourami’s ventral fins. They are small and elongated, which stretch from under the mouth and can be 3 inches in length! The fins are soft and flexible, hence the dangling movements when the fish is swimming.
Lifespan
Most pearl gouramis live around 4 to 5 years, with a few exceptions when some individuals reach 6 years old. While it is challenging to surpass such a record, you can still ensure your fish’s standard lifespan by offering them the right living conditions.
Food
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Pearl gourami can eat both protein-based diets and plant matter. In the wild, they munch on anything from algae, eggs, insects, and worms to veggies and other organisms.
To prevent an imbalance in their food intake, make sure to create a mixed combination where pearl gourami can enjoy a wide range of food.
And, of course, it is important to feed them with the right frequency. Most pearl gourami only needs two or three meals per day to remain healthy. Any attempt to put in more food may lead to overfeeding.
FAQs
1. How big do pearl gourami grow?
Pearl gourami tends not to grow more than 5 inches. They are considered medium-sized fish and can be good company for fish with a length of 3 to 5 inches.
2. How big of a tank do pearl gouramis need?
One pearl gourami needs at least 5 to 6 gallons of water to stay active. Therefore, a 30-gallon tank will suffice in case you wish to have 4 to 6 gourami at the same time.
Remember, having enough room to move around is essential to gourami’s mental and physical state. If you cannot afford a medium or large tank, but still want to have gourami, it is totally fine to have a 10-gallon tank with one gourami only.
3. What fish do gouramis get along with?
Pearl gourami are by no means aggressive. Given their peaceful habits, most fish do not have an issue when sharing the same territory. Thus, feel free to pick a handful of species to live with your pearl gourami if you have a large enough tank.
However, if we are talking about a small tank, then you might want to consider a bit more. Limited space and resources can cause fish to get hostile with one another.
Here, it would be better if you stick to small, harmless fish that may not pose a threat to pearl gourami. These include cherry barbs, danios, kuhli loaches, neon tetras, and dwarf gourami.
Now, should you need a set of guidelines on how to pick the most suitable tank mates for pearl gourami, below are the most important ones to follow.
Firstly, make sure the size of these fish does not exceed 5 inches in length. Even bigger fish may appear intimidating to pearl gourami, regardless of their peaceful temperament. Stick to anything smaller than gourami, or at least the same size as pearl gourami.
Secondly, examine their temperament. If any fish shows signs of aggressiveness and hostility, they are 100% not a good fit for pearl gourami.
In case you fail to get any other type of fish for your tank, there is always an option of filling the tank with several gouramis. This is the recommended choice since gourami tend to feel happier and more fulfilled when sharing the same space with their counterparts.
4. What are some common diseases found in pearl gourami?
Pearl gourami are known to be relatively hardy. This means that they are not typically prone to illnesses. However, pearl gourami can fall prey to fin rot pretty easily.
When subject to this disease, the tissues on pearl gourami will start rotting and get damaged. If left unattended, rotting fins are contagious and can spread to the entirety of a fish’s body.
Luckily for you, fin rot is mostly caused by low water quality. If you are attentive enough, pearl gourami will not suffer much.
5. Are pearl gourami hardy?
Yes. Pearl gourami are among the hardiest species to have in an aquarium.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned everything about full-grown pearl gourami, make sure you apply the knowledge to real life. Check your fish regularly and see if there is anything that can be done for them.
If taken care of properly, your gourami can live for a long time!
Alex is a pet freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which was where he first got some experience in animal nutrition. After graduating from University, Alex began sharing his knowledge as a freelance writer specializing in pets.
