What size tank do sparkling gouramis need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Trichopsis pumila.
How many sparkling gouramis in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if sparkling gouramis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many sparkling gouramis |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 7 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 14 |
| 29 gallon | up to 20 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 28 |
| 55 gallon | up to 39 |
| 75 gallon | up to 53 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check sparkling gouramis against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 3. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for sparkling 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.
- Ember tetra
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Chili rasbora
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Sterba's corydoras
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as sparkling gourami.
- Molly: They need different water: Sparkling gourami likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do sparkling gouramis need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many sparkling gouramis should be kept together?
At least 3. Sparkling gouramis are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can sparkling gouramis live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 7 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do sparkling gouramis need?
75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can sparkling gouramis live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
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.