What size tank does a dwarf gourami need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius.
How many dwarf gouramis in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if dwarf gouramis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
Keep one dwarf gourami per tank, whatever the size. Of the common sizes, these are big enough: 20 gallon long, 29 gallon, 40 gallon breeder, 55 gallon, 75 gallon, 125 gallon.
Check dwarf gouramis against your own tank and other fish
Tank mates for dwarf gouramis
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Platy
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
- Otocinclus
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
Poor matches
- Betta: Dwarf gourami and betta both claim the top of the tank as their own. They usually fight.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat dwarf gourami (about 3 in).
- Molly: They need different water: Dwarf gourami likes a pH of 6–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Can dwarf gouramis live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank does a dwarf gourami need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many dwarf gouramis should be kept together?
One male per tank. Males fight each other.
Can dwarf gouramis live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Dwarf gourami needs at least 15 gallons (57 liters).
What temperature do dwarf gouramis need?
72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6–7.8. In most homes that means a heater.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.