The Pearl Gourami, also known as the Leeri Gourami, is a beautiful fish. Its rich colors and interesting bodies make them an exotic and desired fish among beginning and experience aquarists alike.

Each Pearl Gourami has an attitude of its own. Some are found to be peaceful and tolerant, and others will attack most fish they share space with. However, most Pearl Gourami will get along rather well in community aquariums, if their tankmates are of a similar size. Pearl Gourami may fight with each other. To avoid this, try to get fish that are of a similar color pattern. Pearl Gourami should be kept in large tanks with moderate plant and rock decoration.

Pearl Gourami are very stunning and beautiful. They have creamy white bodies, with shades of red. Pearl Gourami are somewhat iridescent, and will slightly change colors. At maturity, the Pearl Gourami will reach a size of four to five inches. Males can be differentiated by their pointed dorsal fins, where as the females are much more round. Also, males will have a red underside, especially near the mouth.

The Pearl Gourami, or Trichogaster Leeri, is originally from Borneo.

The Pearl Gourami is an easy fish to care for. They will best thrive in waters with a temperature range from 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A pH level of six to nine will be acceptable for the Pearl Gourami. The Pearl Gourami should be fed vegetables such as zucchini, lettuce, spinach and peas. Also, glass worms, tubifex worms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, as well as flake and freeze dried foods, are great for the Pearl Gourami. A varying diet is very important to the Pearl Gourami.

The Pearl Gourami is an easy fish to breed. When breeding the Pearl Gourami, feed the breeding pair earthworms and brine shrimp to help condition them. The two sexes should then be separated for several days, and then brought back together in a spawning tank. The spawning tank should be 15 to 20 cm deep with dense surface plants. The tank should be set up at least a week before attempting to breed, to allow microfoods to develop.

The temperature should be at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If the males breast is covered with red and blue spots, breeding will be more likely. After mating, the male will build a bubble nest. The female should be removed at this point. The male will guard the nest until the eggs hatch, which will be about one day later.