Frail Gourami

With its long, pointed head, upturned mouth and two dark horizontal stripes on a light brown body, the frail gourami has a distinctive look among gouramis. It grows to 8–10 cm in the aquarium. It does not build a bubble nest; the male carries the fertilized eggs in his mouth. The "frail" in its English name comes from its great sensitivity during transport and while settling into a new environment. Once settled in, it is a calm and interesting aquarium fish.

• At least 80 liters for a pair.
• Cool to temperate water at 21–25°C; pH 6–7.5. It struggles at high temperatures.
• Dense plants, floating plants, roots and dim light.
• Weak flow and a calm environment; avoid sudden water changes.

Carnivorous and often refuses dry food. Live and frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and daphnia should be the staple. Feeding newly arrived fish live food makes it easier for them to settle in.

Very shy and calm; it spends most of its time motionless among plants. Next to fast, active fish it becomes stressed and cannot get food. It may eat small fish fry that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: calm, slow small fish, kuhli loach, corydoras; or only its own species.

Avoid: fast schooling fish, fin nippers, large and boisterous species, fish that need warm water.