Sparkling Gourami Care: Complete Guide for Beginners

The Sparkling Gourami is an amazing small fish species. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about taking care of these beautiful, lively, and unique freshwater fish. Get ready to embark on a rewarding journey with your new sparkling gourami!

by Fabian

Updated: June 22, 2023 / 13 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Sparkling Gourami Species Profile and Identification

The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) is a small, colorful freshwater fish that belongs to the Osphronemidae family. Originating from Southeast Asia, they thrive in slow-moving and still waters with plenty of vegetation.

• Size: Sparkling Gouramis grow to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: On average, they live for around 4 to 5 years in captivity.

While their size may be small, their colors and patterns are anything but subtle. These little fish feature iridescent, sparkling blue scales covering their bodies, with red and blue accents on their fins. The most distinctive feature, however, is the horizontal blue line that runs along the body.

Sparkling Gouramis are often confused with two other dwarf gourami species, namely:

• Pygmy Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)
• Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata)

To differentiate them, pay attention to their color patterns and size. Sparkling Gouramis boast a blue horizontal line, while Croaking Gouramis have a horizontal “broken” blue line and Pygmy Gouramis have no distinct horizontal lines.

Another interesting characteristic of this species is their ability to produce sounds. They “croak” by grinding their teeth, usually during mating and territorial displays. This peculiar feature earned them the nickname “Croaking Gourami.”

To identify a Sparkling Gourami, look for the following:

• Iridescent blue scales with red and blue accents on the fins
• Size of about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length
• A horizontal blue line running along the body
• Croaking sounds made by grinding teeth

Sparkling Gourami Supplies

To ensure a thriving environment for your Sparkling Gourami, it’s essential to have the right supplies in place. Below is a list of supplies you’ll need before bringing your fish home:

• Aquarium: Choose an appropriately-sized aquarium, ideally with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons.
• Heater: Sparkling Gourami require a stable temperature, so invest in a high-quality, adjustable heater.
• Filter: Invest in a good filter to maintain water quality and ensure proper circulation.
• Lighting: Although not crucial, low to moderate lighting helps to keep these fish comfortable in their natural habitat.
• Substrate: Opt for a fine, dark substrate to mimic their natural environment and encourage natural behavior.
• Plants and decorations: These fish prefer heavily planted tanks, as well as driftwood or rocks for hiding spots.
• Water test kit: Regularly monitoring water parameters is essential in preventing various health issues.
• Fish net: Required for safe fish handling and tank maintenance.
• Food: Provide a mix of high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods to ensure a balanced diet.
• Bucket and siphon: Facilitates regular water changes and tank cleaning.

Before setting up your aquarium, make sure all components are compatible and installed correctly. Properly cycling the tank is essential in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for your Sparkling Gourami. Purchase a quality water test kit to stay informed on the conditions of the tank and routinely check ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Sparkling Gourami Tank Setup

Setting up the perfect tank for your Sparkling Gourami will allow these stunning fish to thrive in your aquarium, providing you with a visually appealing and active display. Let’s take a closer look at the essential steps you need to follow to create the ideal setup.

Tank size should be at least 10 gallons or larger to ensure that your Sparkling Gourami have sufficient space to swim and explore their environment. However, if you’re planning to keep a group of them, aim for a 20-gallon tank or larger.

Heated water is a must to keep Sparkling Gouramis comfortable. These tropical fish prefer temperatures between 72-81°F (22-27°C). A reliable and adjustable heater will help you maintain a consistent temperature within that range.

To support the filtration system, you should choose a low-flow filter as Sparkling Gouramis are not strong swimmers and enjoy calm water. Additionally, this will help maintain the water quality required for healthy fish.

Sparkling Gouramis feel most at ease when they have ample plants and hiding spots. For the best results, include live and/or artificial plants, driftwood, and caves in their tank to mimic their natural habitat. Consider these options:

• Floating plants: Frogbit, Water lettuce, or Duckweed
• Submerged plants: Java Fern, Anubias, or Amazon Sword

When choosing the substrate, opt for a soft, dark-toned variety. This not only creates a striking contrast with their vibrant colors but also encourages them to display their fascinating natural behaviors.

Invest in a tank cover to prevent your gouramis from jumping out. These fish are natural jumpers, and by placing a lid on their tank, you create a secure and controlled environment that ensures their safety.

Sparkling Gourami Water Requirements

One of the essential aspects of taking care of Sparkling Gouramis is providing the right water conditions in their tank. These fish thrive in water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 28°C (82°F). 

To maintain these conditions, you should invest in a high-quality aquarium heater and thermometer to ensure that the water temperature stays within the required range.

Sparkling Gouramis are adapted to living in waters with low oxygen levels. To replicate this environment:

• Install a sponge filter: This type of filter provides gentle water flow which helps to maintain the oxygen levels that Sparkling Gouramis need.
• Avoid water aeration: Too much agitation from airstones or other forms of aeration can create excessive oxygen levels that make the fish uncomfortable.

Here are some essential water parameters to follow:

Make sure to regularly test the water parameters using a reliable aquarium test kit. Aim to perform a partial water change of 25% to 50% every two weeks to keep the water clean and maintain optimal conditions.

Investing in a proper water conditioner is crucial to neutralize harmful chemicals present in tap water. It ensures the water in the tank is safe for your Sparkling Gouramis. Following these guidelines will help you maintain a healthy environment for your fish, which is vital for their overall well-being.

Sparkling Gourami Diet and Feeding

Feeding your Sparkling Gourami a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to ensure their health and well-being. These small fish are omnivorous – meaning they consume both plant and animal matter, this makes them not complicated to satisfy when it comes to their feeding habits.

Here are some primary food sources you should include in their diet:

• Live Foods: Daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp, these can create excitement and stimulate a healthy appetite.
• Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Tubifex worms for variety and added nutrition.
• Commercial Foods: High-quality flakes and pellets, ensure you provide those specially formulated for small tropical fish.

To keep your Sparkling Gouramis healthy and happy, follow these key feeding tips:

• Feed them once or twice a day with small portions that they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
• Be cautious about overfeeding, as it can cause water quality issues and damage their delicate digestive systems.
• Keep an eye on their appetite. If they are not eating well, check the water quality and temperature, as these are common factors that can affect their feeding habits.

Additionally, vegetable matter is an essential part of the Sparkling Gourami’s diet. You can provide blanched spinach leaves, spirulina, and algae wafers. This will help them receive all the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Providing a varied diet is the key to the health and longevity of your Sparkling Gourami. By offering them a range of live, frozen, and commercial foods, they will receive a balanced and nutritious diet.

Sparkling Gourami Care Schedule

Caring for your Sparkling Gouramis can be a breeze if you follow a consistent schedule that addresses their needs. Below is a suggested care schedule to ensure your fish remain healthy and content:

Daily:

• Check water temperature: maintain a consistent range between 72-81°F (22-27°C) to help your Sparkling Gouramis stay comfortable. Use a reliable aquarium heater and a thermometer for accuracy.
• Monitor and adjust the tank light: Providing about 8-10 hours of light per day will emulate their natural environment, helping them thrive.

Weekly:

• Feed them high-quality food: Sparkling Gouramis are omnivorous and need a varied diet. Feed them a mix of dried flakes, small live or frozen food such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed adult gouramis 2-3 times a week and juveniles daily.
• Test water parameters: Ensure proper levels for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Ideal pH range for Sparkling Gouramis is 6.0-7.5.

Bi-weekly:

• Remove algae, excess debris and clean tank decorations: Use an algae scraper, siphon or cleaning cloth.
• Inspect your Gouramis: Observe the behavior, color, and physical condition of your fish. Look for any signs of illness or injury.

Monthly:

• Conduct water changes: Replace about 25-50% of the tank water with dechlorinated, clean water. This helps maintain water quality and prevent build-up of harmful substances.

As needed:

• Maintain or replace filters and other equipment as necessary.
• Adjust tank mates: In case of any conflicts or incompatibilities between fish, make necessary changes to maintain a peaceful environment.

Establishing and sticking to this care schedule will help ensure a healthy, pleasant environment for your Sparkling Gouramis. Always monitor for changes in appearance and behavior, and consult an expert if you suspect any issues.

Sparkling Gourami Health Problems

Just like any other fish, Sparkling Gouramis can experience health problems, but with your vigilant care, you can prevent most of them. Here are some potential health issues and how to tackle them:

• Ich: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, or ich, is a common parasite that affects aquarium fish, including Sparkling Gouramis. To prevent Ich, maintain a stable water temperature and ensure good water quality. If your Sparkling Gouramis contract Ich, you’ll need to treat the tank with a special Ich medication, usually copper or malachite green.
• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection which is identifiable by frayed fins. It is an opportunistic infection caused by bad water quality and overcrowding. Maintain optimal water chemistry, do regular water changes and avoid overcrowding to prevent fin rot.
• Fungal infections: These may appear as white cotton-like growth on your fish’s body. A good way to prevent fungal infections is to maintain the water quality high in your aquarium. If you spot fungal infection on your fish, immediately treat with a suitable anti-fungal medication.
• Dropsy: Dropsy is a complex health problem, characterized by a bloated appearance and raised scales. It can be caused by bacterial infections, parasites, and kidney failure, among other things. Keep an eye on your fish, and if you spot any symptoms, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in aquatic animals.
• Swim Bladder Disorder: Sparkling Gouramis may suffer from swim bladder disorder, which can cause difficulty in swimming or staying afloat. It can often be attributed to poor water quality or a high-stress environment. Ensure clear water and a peacefully set up tank to prevent swim bladder disorders.

Maintaining a clean, stress-free environment, with regular water changes and appropriate tank mates, goes a long way in keeping these problems at bay.

Sparkling Gourami Tank Mates

Choosing the right tank mates for your Sparkling Gourami is crucial for ensuring a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment. Keep in mind that Sparkling Gouramis are a peaceful and timid species, so it’s essential to select companions that share similar traits.

When choosing tank mates, remember these important points:

• Avoid aggressive species that might harass or harm your Sparkling Gourami.
• Opt for fishes of similar or smaller size to avoid predation.
• Look for species that prefers the middle and bottom of the tank so everyone has their own territory.

Here are some ideal tank mates for Sparkling Gouramis:

• Corydoras Catfish
• Small Tetras (such as Neon or Ember Tetras)
• Dwarf Rasboras
• Otocinclus Catfish
• Dwarf Shrimp (Red Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp)
• Snails (Nerite or Mystery Snails)

Avoid large cichlids, fancy goldfish, and aggressive barbs as tank mates, as they can cause stress or harm to your Sparkling Gourami. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll create a peaceful and balanced ecosystem that promotes the well-being of your fish.

It’s also important to monitor the behavior of your aquatic pets regularly to ensure compatibility and make adjustments if needed.

Sparkling Gourami Breeding

Breeding Sparkling Gouramis can be a fun and rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced aquarists. To encourage breeding, you should set up a separate tank with ideal water conditions, plenty of plant cover, and a tranquil environment.

Setting up a breeding tank:

• Choose a tank of at least 10-gallons in size.
• Maintain a temperature between 77-82°F (25-28°C).
• A pH level between 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal.
• Add plenty of floating plants and hiding spots for the fish.

Introduce a healthy pair of Sparkling Gouramis – one female and one male – into the breeding tank. You can identify mature females by their plumper bodies and less vibrant colors, while males exhibit brighter colors and a more pointed dorsal fin.

Encouraging spawning:

• Feed your fish a high-quality, protein-rich diet, such as live or frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms.
• Gradually lower the water level to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).
• Maintain a gentle water flow using sponge filters.

Watch for the formation of a bubble nest by the male, a clear indication that they are ready to breed. The male will then court the female by displaying his bright colors, flaring his fins, and making short, rapid movements.

Once the female is receptive, they will embrace, and the female releases her eggs for the male to fertilize. The male then gathers the fertilized eggs and places them into the bubble nest.

After the spawning, it’s essential to remove the female to prevent her from harming the eggs or the male, who will guard and maintain the nest. The eggs will typically hatch within 36-48 hours, depending on the temperature. At this stage, provide the fry with infusoria or finely crushed flakes as they grow and transition to larger foods like brine shrimp nauplii.

Conclusion

Sparkling Gourami care may seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and dedication, you can provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for your fish. By following this beginner’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving tank for your new aquatic friends.

We hope this information has been helpful, and we invite you to leave a comment with your own experiences or questions about Sparkling Gourami care.