Powder Blue Gourami

Scientific Name(s)	: Colisa lalia, Trichogaster lalius, richopodus lalius
Common Name(s)	: Powder Blue Gourami, Blue Dwarf Gourami
Family	: Belontiidae
Species Type:	: Labyrinth Fish
Maximum Size	: 3.5 inches
Life Span	: 5 years
Natural Habitat	: Ganges Delta, India
Minimum Tank Size	: 10 gallons
Tank Region	: Middle to top of aquarium
Possible Tank Mates	: Does well with most community fish.
Temperature Range	: 70°F – 83°F
pH Range	: 6.5 – 8.5
Hardness	: 5° - 25°

Description: The Powder Blue Gourami is one of several different color varieties of the Dwarf Gourami. Aside from their coloration they are the same as far as their temperament and care requirements. 

Powder Blue Gouramis are peaceful fish that do well in most community aquariums. They are usually found swimming on the middle to top regions of the aquarium. This is not surprising since, like all Gouramis, the Power Blue Gourami is a labyrinth breather. That is, they can breathe oxygen from the air through their labyrinth (like the Betta) if necessary. Therefore, it is important that the surface of the water be exposed to fresh air. This is usually accomplished by useing a hood that allows air ventilation. If you are using good air pumps this is not always needed, since the air pumps will refresh the air above the water. Powder Blue Gouramis are attractive fish. They have an almost translucent blue color, with vertical red to dark orange stripes. 

Breeding Information: Use a breeding tank with the following parameters: 77°F, pH 6,5-7,0, dH 4-10, well-planted, lid closed, ideally with daphnia for natural filtering. Condition the breeding pair with (see FAQ) then raise temp. to 28C over a few days to trigger breeding. After nesting the female will be chased away and must be taken out. After the eggs have hatched (1-2 days), take out the male. Feed the fry with soluble baby fish food for 4 days, then use smallest size artemia twice a day. Dust food only works later on.

Sexing Information: Males tend to be more brightly colored.

Diet: Omnivorous - their diet should be varied and include fresh zucchini, lettuce, peas, spinach, live brine shrimp, bloodworms, glass worms, tubifex worms and frozen, freeze dried and flakes. A varying diet is very important to the Powder Blue Gourami.

Temperament: Generally peaceful but two or males may fight with one another. If keeping multiple males, a larger tank should be used to minimize territorial disputes.

Common Diseases: None specific to species