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Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) — Osphronemidae

Dwarf gourami

Trichogaster lalius
Family: Osphronemidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf gourami is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from South Asia. The species stays small; males are handsomely coloured with alternating blue and red crossbars, females are duller. It inhabits slow-flowing streams, ditches and lakes with plenty of vegetation. Like other labyrinth fishes it can gulp air with an accessory breathing organ. The pelvic fins are modified into long, feeling threads. The male builds a bubble nest at the surface and guards the brood. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf gourami?

The Dwarf gourami has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Dwarf gourami live?

The Dwarf gourami lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Dwarf gourami get?

The Dwarf gourami grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Dwarf gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf gourami is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf gourami edible?

The Dwarf gourami is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerggoerami sourced
English name
Dwarf gourami verified
Scientific name
Trichogaster lalius
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Dwarf gourami; Dwarf gouramy verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trichogaster

More from the family Osphronemidae

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