Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Pygmy Gourami - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Pygmy Gourami at a glance
Adult size: 1.5 inches · Min tank/pond: 10 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 4-5 years.
Pygmy Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Pygmy Gourami comes from
Pygmy Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Pygmy Gourami tank size and setup
Pygmy Gourami requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 1.5 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Pygmy Gourami
Pygmy Gourami prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Pygmy Gourami eats
Pygmy Gourami is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Pygmy Gourami tankmates and compatibility
Pygmy Gourami works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Pygmy Gourami adult size and lifespan
Pygmy Gourami reaches 1.5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 4-5 years with proper care.
Can you breed Pygmy Gourami?
Pygmy Gourami can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Pygmy Gourami diseases and problems
Pygmy Gourami is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Pygmy Gourami for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Pygmy Gourami online
Pygmy Gourami is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Pygmy Gourami from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Pygmy Gourami taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.