Neon Dwarf Gourami

The Neon Dwarf Gourami is a showy, peaceful labyrinth fish with intense metallic blue body tones and red-orange accents. Reaching about 6–7.5 cm in good conditions, it thrives in planted community tanks and adds vibrant colour without needing high maintenance.

The Neon Dwarf Gourami (a colour-variety of Trichogaster lalius) is a striking addition to any freshwater aquarium, combining vibrant appearance with generally calm temperament. Males display glowing neon-blue bodies with strong red-orange vertical stripes and brilliant fins, while females are slightly smaller and often somewhat duller in contrast. Full adult size is usually around 6 to 7.5 cm.

These gouramis are labyrinth breathers, meaning they can take air from the surface. Because of this they need easy access to the top of the water and prefer tanks with calm water, plenty of plant cover (including floating plants), and hiding spots to reduce stress. Water temperature should be maintained around 22-28 °C, pH slightly acidic to neutral (≈ 6.0-7.5), with moderate hardness.

Dietarily they’re not fussy — omnivores that enjoy a mix of quality flake or pellet foods supplemented regularly with live or frozen treats such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. Feeding small amounts a couple of times daily works well.

When kept in suitable conditions, Neon Dwarf Gouramis can live 4-6 years, and their colours really pop under good lighting with dark substrate. They do best with peaceful tankmates; avoid aggressive or very boisterous fish that might harass them or stress them out.