Pygmy Gourami – Trichopsis pumila

Pygmy gourami, known scientifically as Trichopsis pumila, is one of the most captivating nano fish available to aquarists who appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviour. Despite its tiny size, this species offers complex social interactions, fascinating displays, and a surprisingly rich acoustic world. Properly kept, it becomes a real gem of the home aquarium, especially in carefully arranged planted tanks. Below you will find a comprehensive guide to its origin, care, and best practices for keeping it healthy and thriving. At MB Store you can find suitable aquariums, accessories, and all the key equipment needed to build an ideal living space for pygmy gouramis and other delicate species.

Natural habitat and behaviour of Trichopsis pumila

Pygmy gourami originates from Southeast Asia, primarily from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. In the wild it inhabits shallow, slow-moving waters: rice paddies, swampy ditches, floodplains, and calm tributaries densely overgrown with aquatic plants and marginal vegetation. These biotopes are usually warm, soft, and often slightly acidic, with a lot of leaf litter, roots, and shaded spots. The water there can be turbid and poor in oxygen, which is one of the reasons why pygmy gourami developed the labyrinth organ, allowing it to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface.

This fish grows only to about 3–4 cm, which makes it a true nano species, perfectly suited to smaller aquaria. In nature it lives in small groups, forming loose shoals with a visible hierarchy among males. Despite its shy appearance, pygmy gourami shows interesting interactions: subtle displays, delicate chasing, and short territorial disputes, especially during courtship. A specific feature of this species is the ability to produce quiet sounds – a kind of chirping or clicking – which are part of the communication between individuals, particularly during mating or confrontations.

Behaviourally, Trichopsis pumila is rather peaceful and well suited to community setups with other calm, small fish and invertebrates. It often spends time in the middle and upper water layers, among stem plants and floating vegetation, where it feels safest. Because of its timid nature it appreciates a heavily planted, structurally complex environment, which allows it to hide and choose vantage points. Well-designed hardscape and plant layout help reduce stress and bring out the species’ most natural and confident behaviour.

Tank size, layout and essential equipment

Although pygmy gourami is miniaturised, it should not be confined to a cramped container. For a small group of 6–8 individuals, a rectangular aquarium of at least 40–50 litres is recommended, with a length of 45–60 cm. The horizontal swimming space is much more important than height, as these fish prefer to cruise calmly among plants rather than swim vertically. MB Store offers a wide range of aquariums and complete sets that can be an excellent base for a dedicated pygmy gourami tank or for a well-balanced community layout.

The arrangement of the interior should replicate its natural environment: dense planting, calm zones, and shaded areas. Using fine-leaved stem plants such as Myriophyllum, Limnophila, or Rotala in the background and midground helps create a sense of underwater thickets. In the foreground you can use low-growing plants or mosses tied to roots and stones. Floating plants like Salvinia, Phyllanthus fluitans, or frogbit provide additional cover, slightly dim the lighting, and create a safe zone beneath the surface. This kind of layout gives pygmy gouramis a sense of security, which in turn encourages them to show full colouration and natural behaviour.

Filtration should be gentle yet efficient. Sponge filters or internal filters with adjustable flow are ideal, as they do not generate excessive current that could tire these delicate fish. A calm surface is equally important because pygmy gourami regularly swims up to breathe atmospheric air, and strong ripples can disturb this behaviour. MB Store supplies a broad selection of filtration systems, air pumps, and accessories that make it easy to tailor water circulation to the needs of labyrinth fish. A heater with precise thermostat control is also essential to maintain the stable, warm conditions typical of tropical habitats.

Water parameters and maintenance routines

Trichopsis pumila comes from waters that are usually soft to moderately hard and slightly acidic to neutral. Optimal parameters for long-term maintenance are: temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.2, general hardness (GH) 3–10, and carbonate hardness (KH) 1–6. These ranges are flexible, but stability is the most important factor; sudden changes in temperature or pH can stress pygmy gouramis, weaken their immune systems, and increase susceptibility to disease. Regular testing with reliable water test kits, available at MB Store, allows the aquarist to react early to any deviation from the desired values.

Because these fish are small and sensitive, the maintenance regime should emphasise both cleanliness and gentleness. Weekly water changes of 20–30% are usually sufficient in a well-planted aquarium with a moderate fish load. New water must be well conditioned, in particular dechlorinated and temperature-matched, to avoid thermal shock. During gravel vacuuming it is worth focusing on open areas and gently circling around dense plants and decorations so as not to destroy microhabitats and biofilm, which play an important role in the stability of the aquarium ecosystem.

Plant growth significantly supports water quality, absorbing nitrates and phosphates. To ensure lush, healthy vegetation, you can use liquid fertilisers and root tabs designed for aquarium plants. MB Store provides a full selection of fertilisers, CO₂ sets, and plant care accessories. By maintaining vigorous plant growth, you not only improve water chemistry but also create better shelter and natural territories for pygmy gouramis. The overall equilibrium between fish, plants, and filtration is the basis of a stable, low-stress environment in which Trichopsis pumila can thrive for many years.

Lighting and aquascaping for shy labyrinth fish

Lighting for pygmy gouramis should be tailored primarily to plant needs, but also to the timid nature of the fish. Intense, harsh illumination without shading often causes these gouramis to hide constantly and show dull colours. A better solution is moderately strong LED lighting combined with abundant floating plants and tall stems that break up the light and create patches of shade. Many LED units available at MB Store offer brightness and spectrum adjustment, making it easier to find the balance between healthy plant growth and a comfortable level of light for sensitive species.

When designing the aquascape, it is worth thinking in terms of visual corridors and refuges. Driftwood branches, tangle roots, and irregular rocks help divide the aquarium into semi-separated zones. Each zone can contain clusters of plants, creating microhabitats where males can feel lightly territorial without constant visual contact with rivals. This reduces stress and aggression while encouraging natural displays. The addition of botanicals such as catappa leaves, alder cones, or palm fronds enriches the environment with tannins, slightly acidifying and softening the water and adding a characteristic amber tint reminiscent of Southeast Asian blackwater environments.

Substrate choice is relatively flexible, but fine sand or small-grain gravel works best. Darker tones are preferable, as they make the colours of pygmy gouramis appear deeper and more vivid. On a dark substrate the contrasting iridescent stripes and delicate sheen of the body are especially visible. Combining substrate, hardscape, and plants into a coherent composition creates not only a beautiful display but also a functional space. An aquascape designed with the needs of Trichopsis pumila in mind will reward the aquarist with calm, confident fish that willingly explore all tank levels.

Feeding pygmy gourami – diet and nutrition

Pygmy gourami is a micro predator that naturally feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and zooplankton drifting among plants. In the aquarium it accepts a wide variety of foods, but its small mouth calls for appropriately tiny particles. High-quality granules and flakes for nano fish or labyrinth species, which soften quickly in water, form a good staple diet. It is important that these foods contain a rich protein fraction, natural colour enhancers, and a balance of vitamins and minerals to support immunity and reproduction.

In addition to dry food, regular supplementation with live and frozen fare brings clear benefits. Artemia nauplii, daphnia, cyclops, micro worms, and finely chopped frozen bloodworms stimulate natural hunting behaviour and help maintain excellent condition. Variety in the menu enhances colouration, supports the development of labyrinth organs in juveniles, and encourages spawning in adult fish. However, one should avoid overfeeding, as pygmy gouramis are small and can easily suffer from digestive issues and water pollution if given excessive amounts of rich, fatty food.

Feeding 1–2 times per day in small portions that are consumed within a few minutes is usually sufficient. Observing feeding behaviour provides valuable information about the health of the group: fish that readily accept food, swim confidently, and show clear colours are usually in good condition. MB Store offers a broad range of foods for nano fish and specialised diets for labyrinth species, enabling aquarists to compose a varied and balanced feeding plan for Trichopsis pumila and compatible tank mates.

Social behaviour and compatible tank mates

Trichopsis pumila is generally peaceful, but its social life is more complex than that of many other small fish. It should be kept in a group: 6–10 individuals allow natural behaviours to manifest, spreading any occasional aggression and building a stable hierarchy. Males may display towards each other by spreading fins and intensifying colouration, sometimes accompanied by the characteristic quiet “croaking” sounds. If the aquarium is spacious and structured with plants and decorations, these interactions rarely escalate into serious conflict, serving mainly as ritualised communication.

When choosing tank mates, you should prioritise calm species of similar size and temperament. Ideal companions include small rasboras, microdevario, nano tetras, and peaceful dwarf shrimp. Avoid fast, boisterous fish such as large barbs or active livebearers, which can intimidate pygmy gouramis and outcompete them at feeding time. Fin-nippers should also be excluded, as they may damage the delicate fins of Trichopsis pumila. Additionally, very large fish, even if not overtly aggressive, can cause chronic stress simply through their size and rapid movements.

Pygmy gourami does best in community tanks where competition for the upper and middle water layers is low. If kept with other labyrinth species, such as bettas or larger gouramis, the aquarium must be sufficiently large and visually divided to prevent constant rivalry for territories near the surface. Observing the dynamics after adding new tank mates is essential; any signs of long-term hiding, lack of appetite, or faded colours suggest that the social arrangement should be reconsidered. With thoughtful planning, Trichopsis pumila can form the heart of a peaceful, lively community aquarium that is both visually attractive and behaviourally rich.

Breeding Trichopsis pumila in the home aquarium

Breeding pygmy gourami is an engaging project that rewards the patient aquarist with the opportunity to observe rare behaviours. Like many labyrinth fish, Trichopsis pumila is a bubble nest builder. The male prepares a nest at the water’s surface, usually under a floating plant leaf or beneath a broad piece of floating debris. Before spawning, it is helpful to condition the pair with abundant live and frozen foods and to slightly raise the water temperature to around 27–28°C. Soft, slightly acidic water and a calm environment with dim lighting significantly increase the chances of success.

During courtship the male intensifies in colour, displaying more contrasting stripes and often producing quiet clicking sounds. He encourages the female towards the nest, where they embrace in a typical labyrinth-fish fashion. Eggs are released and fertilised, then carefully collected by the male and placed in the bubble nest. After spawning the male generally guards the nest, keeping it in good condition and returning any fallen eggs. At this stage it may be advisable to remove the female to prevent harassment, especially in smaller breeding tanks lacking dense plant cover.

Once the fry hatch and begin free swimming, they require infusoria, rotifers, or commercially available liquid fry foods as initial nourishment. After several days they can be offered Artemia nauplii and other micro live foods. Because the fry are tiny and delicate, water quality and stable, warm conditions are critical, and filtration should be extremely gentle, often limited to air-driven sponge filters. MB Store provides essential accessories for breeding, including small heaters, air pumps, sponge filters, and specialised fry foods, which together make raising young Trichopsis pumila significantly easier for both beginner and advanced aquarists.

Why pygmy gourami is perfect for artistic nano aquariums

Pygmy gourami is an excellent choice for aquarists who value finesse over size. Its modest dimensions and gentle swimming style make it ideal for aquascapes where the priority is plant composition, natural hardscape, and subtle movement rather than a single dominant show fish. In such set-ups, Trichopsis pumila becomes a living accent, highlighting the depth of the layout while not overwhelming its delicate aesthetics. Combined with carefully selected shrimp and small schooling fish, it creates a harmonious, balanced visual effect.

From the perspective of aquascaping, these gouramis work particularly well in nature-style and blackwater-inspired compositions. Dark, humic water, root tangles, leaf litter, and soft lighting together reflect their natural environment. The iridescent body and gentle fin movements of pygmy gouramis add dynamism and life, drawing the eye without disturbing the calm mood. An aquarium centred around Trichopsis pumila can easily become a focal point of a room, admired not only by aquarists but also by guests unfamiliar with the subtleties of freshwater fishkeeping.

In practical terms, keeping pygmy gourami is not overly demanding, provided that stable water parameters, careful acclimatisation, and a calm social environment are ensured. MB Store helps create such conditions by offering matched equipment: from tanks and filters through heating and lighting to food and water conditioners. With proper planning and regular maintenance, Trichopsis pumila rewards the keeper with years of observation opportunities, fascinating breeding projects, and a unique acoustic world of quiet clicks and chirps rarely encountered with other aquarium fish.

How MB Store supports successful pygmy gourami keeping

Establishing an optimal home for Trichopsis pumila requires an integrated approach: choosing the right aquarium, filtration, heating, lighting, and accessories that all work together. MB Store offers comprehensive support at every stage. You can select from a wide range of aquarium sets suitable for nano and medium-sized community tanks, as well as individual components that allow you to design a fully customised system. This flexibility is particularly helpful when creating biotope-style or plant-dominated aquaria tailored to the needs of delicate labyrinth fish.

Beyond hardware, access to high-quality foods, conditioners, and plant fertilisers is crucial. MB Store provides diverse diets for nano fish, live and frozen food options, and specialist products for water treatment, including conditioners that remove chlorine and heavy metals, as well as agents that introduce beneficial humic substances. With the right products, maintaining stable, stress-free conditions for pygmy gourami becomes significantly simpler, even for aquarists who are just beginning their journey with more sensitive species.

Equally important is ongoing education and inspiration. Through articles, guides, and regularly updated resources, MB Store encourages aquarists to experiment responsibly with new species and aquarium styles. Detailed product descriptions and practical advice help match equipment to actual needs rather than buying at random. By combining knowledge, carefully chosen products, and a passion for aquascaping, every enthusiast can create for Trichopsis pumila a habitat that not only meets all biological requirements but also delights the eye and becomes a source of daily relaxation.

FAQ

How many pygmy gouramis should be kept together in one aquarium?
A small group of 6–10 pygmy gouramis is recommended, even in modest tanks of around 40–60 litres. In such numbers the fish feel safer, display natural social behaviours, and any aggression between males is spread across the group. Keeping just one or two individuals often results in shyness and dull colours, while a larger group promotes confidence and more interesting interactions.

Can pygmy gourami live in a community tank with shrimp?
Pygmy gourami is generally shrimp-friendly, especially with larger, well-established individuals such as adult Neocaridina or Caridina. They may, however, eat the smallest baby shrimp if they fit into their mouths. Dense planting, mosses, and hiding places greatly increase shrimplet survival. When planning such a community, it is best to introduce shrimp first, allow them to multiply, and only then add the gouramis.

Is a strong filter required for Trichopsis pumila?
Strong filtration is not necessary and can even be counterproductive. Pygmy gourami prefers calm water with minimal current, which allows it to comfortably use its labyrinth organ at the surface. A gentle sponge filter or a small internal filter with adjustable flow is ideal. The key is biological stability, not sheer power, so the filter should be mature, regularly maintained, and never cleaned too aggressively.

What is the ideal temperature range for pygmy gourami?
The optimal temperature range for Trichopsis pumila is 24–28°C, with 25–26°C being a safe compromise for most community setups. Short-term deviations are usually tolerated, but rapid fluctuations should be avoided, as they stress the fish and weaken immunity. A reliable heater with thermostat, preferably combined with a thermometer, helps maintain consistent warmth throughout the year, including cooler seasons.

Is pygmy gourami suitable for beginners in fishkeeping?
Pygmy gourami can be kept by careful beginners who are ready to learn about water chemistry, regular maintenance, and appropriate tank mates. It is less forgiving than hardy livebearers, but not extremely demanding. A cycled aquarium, stable parameters, and a peaceful environment are key. With access to proper equipment and guidance, such as that offered by MB Store, even a novice can successfully keep this delicate and fascinating species.