Why is my Moonlight Gourami gulping air at the surface?

This is completely normal behaviour. Moonlight Gouramis possess a labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They will periodically visit the surface to take a gulp of air, even in well-oxygenated water.

How can I tell the difference between a male and a female?

Adult males typically have orange to reddish colouration on their thread-like pelvic fins, while females' pelvic fins are yellowish or colourless. Males also tend to have a slightly more pointed dorsal fin.

Do I need a lid for my gourami tank?

Yes, a tight-fitting lid is crucial. It prevents these excellent jumpers from escaping and, more importantly, maintains a warm, humid layer of air above the water, which is necessary for their labyrinth organ to function properly.

Why is my gourami 'feeling' plants and glass with its long fins?

Their long pelvic fins are covered in taste and touch receptors. They use them to navigate their environment, find food, and interact with other fish, especially in the murky waters of their natural habitat.

Are Moonlight Gouramis aggressive?

They are generally peaceful community fish. However, males can become territorial towards other male gouramis or related labyrinth fish, particularly if a bubble nest is being built.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Moonlight Gourami

Trichopodus microlepis

An elegant and peaceful labyrinth fish, the Moonlight Gourami is renowned for its striking silvery iridescence and long, thread-like pelvic fins.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 26 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 7
Hardness: 2 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 13 – 15 cm
Standard 3-foot aquarium: 150 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Diet: omnivore
Water flow: low
Preferred setup: Densely planted with floating vegetation

About the Moonlight Gourami

The Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis) is a graceful, slow-swimming labyrinth fish native to the densely vegetated swamps and floodplains of Southeast Asia. It earns its common name from its beautiful, uniform silvery sheen, which catches the light much like a moonbeam. While it lacks the bold stripes or vivid spots of some relatives, its subtle, elegant appearance and fine scales make it a standout centrepiece in a community aquarium. They are generally peaceful but grow notably larger than dwarf varieties, reaching up to 15 centimetres in length.

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Where Moonlight Gourami comes from

Native range

Mekong River basin, Chao Phraya River basin

Countries / regions

Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand

Habitat

Shallow, sluggish, or standing waters such as swamps, marshes, bogs, and floodplains with dense aquatic vegetation.

Introduced populations exist in Colombia and parts of Asia due to aquaculture escapees.

Similar species

Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Three Spot Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Snakeskin Gourami
Trichopodus pectoralis

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Peaceful, active mid-water schoolers that will not harass the gourami or nip its delicate pelvic fins.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Bottom-dwelling scavengers that completely ignore surface-dwelling gouramis, making for perfect peaceful cohabitation.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
Peaceful algae grazers that occupy the lower regions of the tank and avoid interaction with upper-level labyrinth fish.
Great
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notorious fin-nippers that will relentlessly attack the Moonlight Gourami's long, thread-like pelvic fins.
Not recommended
Betta Splendens
Betta splendens
Closely related anabantoids; males will likely perceive each other as rivals, leading to severe territorial aggression.
Not recommended

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