Why is my Sparkling Gourami making a clicking noise?

The clicking or 'croaking' sound is a natural communication method. They produce it by snapping specialised tendons near their pectoral fins, usually during courtship, territorial disputes, or when establishing a hierarchy within a group.

Can I keep multiple males together?

Yes, multiple males can be kept together provided the aquarium is large enough and densely planted. Broken lines of sight allow them to establish small territories. They will spar and vocalise, but physical damage is extremely rare.

Do they need to breathe air at the surface?

Yes. Like all labyrinth fish, they possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. It is crucial to have a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium to ensure the air above the water remains warm and humid, protecting this delicate organ.

Will they eat my cherry shrimp?

Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe, but Sparkling Gouramis are micro-predators and will happily hunt and eat tiny, newly hatched shrimplets. Dense moss and planting can help some baby shrimp survive.

Why is my Sparkling Gourami hiding all the time?

They are naturally shy and require dense cover to feel secure. If they are hiding constantly, your tank may need more plants (especially floating plants), the lighting might be too bright, or their tankmates could be too boisterous.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Sparkling Gourami

Trichopsis pumila

A tiny, jewel-like labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia renowned for its iridescent colours and unique ability to produce audible clicking sounds.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 3.5 – 4 cm
30 Litres: 30 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Micro-predator
Water flow: Low/Gentle
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with floating plants and dim lighting

About the Sparkling Gourami

The Sparkling Gourami, or Pygmy Gourami, is an enchanting nano species that reaches barely 4 cm in length. Despite its diminutive size, it possesses a striking appearance, displaying a tapestry of red, blue, and green iridescent spots across a torpedo-shaped body. Perhaps its most fascinating trait is its ability to 'purr' or 'croak'; a rapid clicking noise produced by the pectoral fins during territorial disputes or courtship. As a labyrinth fish, it breathes atmospheric air, a vital adaptation for surviving in the oxygen-depleted swamps of its native range.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Sparkling Gourami against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sparkling Gourami comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong River Basin, Chao Phraya River Basin

Countries / regions

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia

Habitat

Slow-moving streams, swamps, peat bogs, and rice paddies with dense vegetation and low oxygen.

Widespread across the lower Mekong and Chao Phraya drainages.

Similar species

Croaking Gourami
Trichopsis vittata
Schaller's Croaking Gourami
Trichopsis schalleri
Licorice Gourami
Parosphromenus deissneri

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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Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Shares identical water requirements, stays small, and is entirely peaceful, making them ideal companions in a nano setup.
Great
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
A small, peaceful bottom dweller that will not compete with the gouramis for territory in the middle and upper water layers.
Great
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Too large to be eaten by the gouramis, excellent at cleaning algae, and thrives in planted environments.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
While peaceful, they are active swimmers and vigorous eaters that can outcompete the shy gouramis for food.
Compatible with caution
Betta Splendens
Betta splendens
Male Bettas may view Sparkling Gouramis as rivals due to their similar shape and labyrinth fish nature, leading to severe aggression.
Not recommended
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Far too boisterous and prone to fin-nipping, which will stress and likely injure the delicate gouramis.
Not recommended

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