Male Dwarf Powder Blue Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius), a colorful and peaceful freshwater fish, is a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts. It is a variety of the Dwarf Gourami, known for its striking powder blue coloration. Below is a comprehensive description of the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami:

Appearance
Body: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami has a slender, oval-shaped body with soft, iridescent coloration. The most striking feature is its pale blue or powder blue hue, which covers the body and fins, giving it an almost shimmering appearance. The blue can vary slightly in intensity, sometimes with hints of turquoise or green depending on lighting and water conditions.
Fins: The fish has long, flowing pectoral fins, and a slightly elongated dorsal fin that adds to its elegant appearance. The tail fin is rounded or slightly lobed.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically exhibit brighter, more vibrant blue coloration and have longer, more pointed dorsal fins compared to females. Females, on the other hand, are generally more subdued in color, often appearing pale or silvery blue with less intensity.
Size: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is a small fish, typically reaching about 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm) in length when fully grown.

Habitat and Distribution
Native Range: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is a color morph of the Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius), which is native to the freshwater rivers, streams, and ponds of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Aquarium Adaptability: Like other Gouramis, the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is well-suited for aquarium life and can tolerate a variety of water conditions, making it a great choice for hobbyists of all skill levels.

Behavior
Temperament: Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis are generally peaceful and calm fish, though they can sometimes display territorial behavior, especially males. While not aggressive, males may become more dominant, particularly during breeding seasons.
Social Nature: These fish are social and do best when kept with peaceful tankmates. They can coexist with other non-aggressive species, such as tetras, rasboras, and other dwarf gouramis. However, they may be stressed in tanks with overly aggressive or fast-moving fish.
Activity Level: They are relatively calm swimmers that enjoy exploring the middle and upper levels of the tank. Gouramis, like other labyrinth fish, can breathe air directly from the surface, so they often spend time near the top of the aquarium.

Diet
Omnivorous: Powder Blue Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods in captivity. In the wild, their diet consists of small invertebrates, zooplankton, algae, and plant matter.
Feeding in the Aquarium: In an aquarium, they can be fed high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. They also enjoy occasional plant matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini.
Feeding Frequency: It’s best to feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to health issues.

Water Conditions
Temperature: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami thrives in a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C). They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and should be kept in a stable environment.
pH: The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardness: A general hardness (GH) of 4-12 dGH is ideal for these fish. They prefer soft to moderately hard water.
Water Quality: They are relatively sensitive to poor water quality, so good filtration, regular water changes, and maintaining stable parameters are essential to their health.

Breeding
Breeding Behavior: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is a bubble-nesting species. Males build bubble nests at the surface of the water, where they entice females to spawn. The male will court the female by displaying vibrant colors and engaging in a dance-like movement.
Spawning: After courtship, the female releases her eggs, which are fertilized by the male and placed into the bubble nest. The male then guards the nest until the eggs hatch.
Eggs and Fry: The eggs hatch in about 24-48 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming after 3-4 days. The male will continue to protect the nest during this time. Fry should be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to consume crushed flakes.

Lifespan
Longevity: With proper care, the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami can live for 3-4 years, although some individuals may live longer.

Tank Requirements
Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a single Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami. A larger tank will allow for a more stable environment and better swimming space.
Tankmates: As peaceful fish, they should be kept with other non-aggressive species. Ideal tankmates include peaceful community fish like small tetras, corydoras catfish, and other small gouramis. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping species or overly aggressive fish.
Aquascaping: Gouramis appreciate aquariums with plants, driftwood, and hiding spots. They also enjoy a soft, gentle filter and may be stressed by strong currents.
Health and Common Issues
Resilience: The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is generally hardy, but it can be susceptible to common aquarium diseases such as Ich, fin rot, and gill flukes, especially if water quality is poor or they are stressed.
Labyrinth Organ: As a labyrinth fish, the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami has a specialized organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air. It's important to ensure they can access the surface easily. Stress, poor water quality, or overcrowding can affect their ability to breathe properly.
Prevention: Regular water changes, a varied diet, and maintaining stable tank conditions are key to preventing health problems.

The Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful and peaceful fish that makes an excellent addition to a well-maintained aquarium. Its striking coloration and calm demeanor make it a favorite among aquarists. By providing them with suitable tank conditions, a balanced diet, and compatible tankmates, hobbyists can enjoy the beauty and elegance of this species for years to come.