Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami - Trichogaster lalius : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis exhibit commendable resilience and prove to be an optimal selection for novice aquarists, provided they are accommodated within a well-prepared aquarium environment and subject to consistent maintenance practices. This species boasts a moderate level of adaptability and presents relative ease in terms of breeding endeavours.
Known for their general peaceful disposition, they readily integrate into community tanks. Nonetheless, their nature does encompass a certain degree of timidity, particularly when cohabiting with fish that exhibit persistent harassment tendencies. A discerning choice of tankmates is imperative, as the presence of highly active, sizable, or aggressive species may induce a reclusive response. Conversely, fish with vibrant pigmentation, such as guppies, bettas, and other dwarf gouramis, may elicit territorial aggressiveness. Ideally, the most harmonious companions comprise other small, serene fish species.
To ensure their well-being, a well-maintained tank is crucial, as they are susceptible to diseases if water quality is not up to par. It is important to provide a peaceful environment with minimal noise and traffic to avoid making them nervous. When it comes to social behaviour, Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis are generally peaceful towards other fish species. However, males can become territorial and display aggressive behaviour during breeding time, especially when kept together in smaller tanks.
Batchelor groups of males are often offered, but it is recommended to keep them in odd numbers to avoid bullying. To ensure the best results and avoid aggression, it is suggested to keep more females than males, allowing the smaller, more rounded females to escape excessive harassment should the male decide to court them vigorously. This setup will also allow for the display of natural behaviour and help in the formation of breeding pairs.
The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is an attractive colour morph of the Dwarf Gourami. It is one of the more "solid" coloured varieties. It has an oval-shaped, slightly compressed body with large, round fins and thread-like ventral fins that contain highly perceptive touch-sensitive cells. These fish also exhibit a captivating iridescent "powdery" blue colouration that envelops their entirety, with vertical red striping significantly subdued. This distinctive colouration has been meticulously cultivated through a process of selective breeding, involving the deliberate pairing of specimens displaying the coveted blue hue and subsequent refinement across multiple generations.
Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining the sex of Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis is relatively easy. The males display more vivid colours compared to the females, and they have elongated, pointed dorsal fins. Males also tend to have smaller abdomens compared to females. On the other hand, females are smaller in size and have less vibrant colours. They have curved or round backs compared to males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Trichogaster lalius |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1822 |
| Other Names | Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami, Blue Dwarf Gourami |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Genus | Trichogaster |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 7.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Bubble Nester |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 18 |
| TDS | 50 - 140 |
| ℉ | 72 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
Derived through controlled breeding, the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami emerges as a cultivated colour variation originating from the Dwarf Gourami lineage. Consequently, these specimens lack a native habitat due to their engineered genetic makeup.
Breeding
Breeding the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami can be challenging due to unpredictable male behaviour. To ensure successful breeding, a separate breeding tank should be prepared with a low water level, normal water parameters, and a slightly raised temperature. The addition of fine-leaf plants like Hornwort or Milfoil and floating plants like Ricca can provide a comfortable environment for the fish. To condition the fish for breeding, a male and one or more females should be fed small portions of frozen and live foods several times a day.
Once the females are well-fed and round with eggs, they should be transferred to the breeding tank several days before the male. During spawning, males build a bubble nest and woo the female by raising their dorsal fin and swimming around her. If the female is willing, she will circle with the male and lay her eggs while touching his back or tail. The male then embraces the female and fertilizes the eggs, which float to the top of the water. The male will collect the eggs in his mouth and place them in the bubble nest until anything from 300 to 800 eggs are produced.
If there are other females in the tank, the male may breed with all of them. After spawning, females must be removed to prevent attacks from the male. The male will continue to manage and guard the eggs until they hatch in around 12-36 hours. Once the fry becomes free-swimming, the male should be removed as he may consume the young. Free swimming fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are big enough to eat baby brine shrimp.
Diet & Feeding
A balanced and diverse diet is crucial to the health and well-being of the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami. These fish require a combination of meaty and algae-based foods to meet their nutritional needs. While an algae-based flake food can form the foundation of their diet, it should be supplemented with freeze-dried artemia, bloodworm, and tubifex to ensure that their dietary requirements are met. By providing a varied diet, aquarists can promote optimal growth and development, as well as vibrant colouration in these fish.
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