What Do Dwarf Gouramis Eat?

The dwarf gourami is a beautiful, freshwater fish. The females are a shiny blue-gray with light yellow vertical stripes, and the males are a vivid orange-red with turquoise vertical stripes. The dwarf gourami is also known as a labyrinth fish, which means it breathes directly from the air. In addition, dwarf gouramis need plenty of plants in the tank, as they are bubble nest builders like betta fish. Dwarf gouramis are omnivores, so they eat a diet of vegetables and meat.

  1. Fresh Algae or Algae-Based Flake Food

    • Fresh algae is the best choice if you have access to it; if not, then an algae-based flake food will work. There are many varieties of algae-based flake foods, so it would be beneficial to ask which one is recommended when you purchase your fish. Some lower-quality algae-based flake foods contain low amounts of algae; the higher the algae count in the flake the better.

    Bloodworms

    • Bloodworms can be bought frozen or freeze-dried. Bloodworms are midge larvae found naturally in the bottom of streams and rivers They are very high in protein, and they can help condition your dwarf gouramis for spawning.

    Brine Shrimp

    • Brine shrimp are tiny shrimp that dwarf gouramis and other aquarium fish eat.

      Brine shrimp are tiny, almost microscopic, shrimp that you can buy frozen or freeze-dried. You can also buy a brine shrimp hatchery so your dwarf gouramis can eat fresh, newly hatched nauplii (baby brine shrimp).

    Tubifex Worms

    • Tubifex worms are aquatic angleworms also known as sludge worms. You can buy them live from most pet stores that sell fish and fish food. Like bloodworms and brine shrimp, you can also buy them freeze-dried to keep on hand in case you don't have access to fresh worms.