The Pearl Gourami originally came from the Malaysia area. It is also know as the Leeri or Lace Gourami and is one of the easier gouramis to keep and breed.  Pearl Gouramis get their name from the pearly iridescent spots they develop along their bodies.  Their color is greatly enhanced during breeding.  They are peaceful and will lose their color under distress or aggression from other fish.  Similar to the betta and other anabantids, the pearl gourami can breathe air directly and will frequent the top of the tank. The tank should be covered and gouramis should be kept in groups of 3 - 5.  They will eat flake food, algae flakes and they will benefit from occasional live brine shrimp.

The male has extended, pointed fins, and is redder.  For breeding, feed the pair live brine shrimp for a couple of weeks and separate them just before transferring them to a breeding tank.  The breeding tank should have about 5 inches of water and the temperature should be in the upper ranges for the Pearl Gourami.  Floating plants and established bacteria in the water will help.  By this time, the male should have a bright red chest and iridescent blue pearl spots.  When they are ready to spawn, the male courts the female with mild aggression and then builds a bubblenest among surface plants. After spawning only the female should be removed, as the male will tend the eggs.  When the eggs have hatched, the male should also be removed.  Several hundred fry can be expected. 

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