Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

Product Description

The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is one of the most popular colour varieties of the Dwarf Gourami, known for its electric blue body and peaceful nature. This fish is ideal for planted community aquariums and is appreciated for its calm behaviour, vibrant appearance, and interactive personality. Males display the brightest coloration, while females are slightly lighter. Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air from the surface, making them adaptable to a wide range of tank setups.

This fish is best suited for aquariums with gentle flow, dense vegetation, and plenty of open swimming space. Their striking colour and gentle temperament make them an excellent centrepiece fish for small to medium-sized community tanks.

Care Guide

Temperament

• Peaceful and shy

• Best kept with other calm community fish

• Males may be territorial with other male gouramis

• Does well as a single male or a pair (male + female)

Minimum Tank Size

• 15–20 gallons for a single

• Larger tank recommended if keeping multiple

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Flow: Low — they prefer gentle currents

• Filtration: Clean, stable water is very important

Diet

• Omnivore

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

• Vegetable-based foods also accepted

• Provide a varied diet to maintain health and colour

Tank Setup

• Heavily planted aquarium preferred

• Floating plants help them feel secure and support bubble-nesting behaviour

• Open surface area required for breathing

• Include hiding spots: driftwood, caves, dense plant clusters

• Low to moderate lighting

Behaviour

• Top to mid–level swimmer

• Active but gentle

• Known to form bubble nests

• Can become shy without enough plant cover

Compatible Tankmates

• Peaceful tetras

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Small peaceful loaches

• Livebearers (mollies, platies, guppies)

• Smaller rainbows

• Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive or fast, pushy fish

Notes

• Keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is large with many hiding spots

• Very sensitive to poor water quality — regular maintenance is essential

• Best colours appear in a calm, stable environment with low stress