- Species – Trichogaster Ialia
- Common Name – Neon Dwarf Gourami
- Origin – India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh
- Diet – Omnivore, eats algae
- PH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
- Water Type – Soft
- Temperature – Tropical 22°c – 28°c
- Breed Type – Egglayer, bubble nest
- Current Size – approximately 4.5cm (Grows to approximately 5cm)
The Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami is a peaceful and shy fish. If you have a pair of them, the two fish will swim together. Dwarf Gouramis are considered labyrinth fish, which means they breathe straight from the air with a lung-like labyrinth organ and need to have access to the water’s surface.
Originating from India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh, the Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami are native to thickly vegetated waters.
Its common name”dwarf” fits this fish well, as it grows to only two inches at best. Males are slightly larger than the females and are predominately blue with only a little red showing on the body. The dorsal fin of the male is pointed in contrast to the rounded dorsal of the female. Females remain a duller silvery blue-gray colour and never achieve the male’s brilliant colours. The Coral Blue Dwarf Gouramis are predominately blue with only a little red showing on the body. It is a colour hybrid of the Dwarf Gourami which has a bright orange-red body with turquoise blue vertical stripes that extend into the fins. Other hybrids are the Flame Dwarf Gourami and Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami. Flames are almost solid red throughout the body with solid blue dorsal fins.
This species is usually peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful species that are not too large or aggressive. Brightly coloured fish can sometimes cause males to become aggressive as they are perceived as rivals. Peaceful, small schooling fish are suitable tank mates as well as most bottom-dwelling fish. Some potential tank mates may include dwarf cichlids and small tetras.
Gouramis can be skittish when subjected to noise and should be kept in a quiet location. Provide plenty of vegetation, including floating plants that cover part of the surface of the water. The optimum pH is in the neutral range, and water hardness should be 4 to 10 dGH. The ideal water temperature is around 25°c.
In nature, Gouramis eat small insects and larvae from the surface of the water and graze on algae growth on plants. In the aquarium, they will readily eat flake food, freeze-dried food, frozen foods and vegetable tablets. To maintain good health, supplement their diet with periodic feedings of live foods such as worms. Live foods should also be used to condition breeder pairs.
Males are generally larger than the females and more vividly coloured. As males reach maturity, they develop elongated dorsal and anal fins that come to a point. In females, these fins are shorter and rounded.