Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

Also sold as Powder blue dwarf gourami · Flame dwarf gourami · Neon blue dwarf gourami

Synonyms Colisa lalia · Trichogaster lalia

Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims near the surface. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank	40 L (11 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	6–7.5
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
GH	2–18
Lifespan	4–6 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Dwarf Gourami needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
Do not put it with Betta.
It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
One of them takes up roughly 24% of what a 15 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–18.

How long does it live?

4–6 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Dwarf Gourami	Thick-lipped Gourami	Honey Gourami
Adult size	8 cm	10 cm	5 cm
Min tank	40 L	67 L	40 L
Group	1+	1+	1+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	72–81°F (22–27°C)	72–82°F (22–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	—	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Dwarf Gourami →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026