Home · Osphronemidae · Pearl gourami
Pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) — Osphronemidae

Pearl gourami

Trichopodus leerii
Family: Osphronemidae

The Pearl gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The pearl gourami is a labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh water of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, brownish body with a fine, pearly white speckling and a dark longitudinal stripe; in courtship the male's throat turns orange-red. As a labyrinth fish it can gulp air at the surface. The thread-like pelvic fins serve as feelers. It eats small invertebrates, larvae and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans and is much loved in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pearl gourami?

The Pearl gourami has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Pearl gourami live?

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

How big does the Pearl gourami get?

The Pearl gourami grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Pearl gourami dangerous to humans?

No, the Pearl gourami is harmless to humans.

Is the Pearl gourami edible?

Yes, the Pearl gourami is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parelgoerami sourced
English name
Pearl gourami sourced
Scientific name
Trichopodus leerii
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Lace gourami; Mosaic gourami; Pearl gourami verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Trichopodus

More from the family Osphronemidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →