Pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) are among the longer-lived gourami species. Average captive lifespan: 4-6 years. Maximum documented: 8+ years in well-maintained tanks. Common causes of shorter lifespan: aggressive tankmates (gourami are timid), water quality issues, single-food diet leading to nutritional deficiency. Pair pearl gourami in a 30+ gallon tank with peaceful community species (cardinal tetras, corydoras, neon tetras) and rotate feeds across flake, frozen daphnia, bloodworms, and algae wafers for the longest lifespan.
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