How to Breed Pearl Gouramis

Pearl gouramis, also known as leeri or mosaic gouramis, are a medium-sized freshwater fish. They grow to between 3 inches and 4 inches long, and are known for their lovely coloration and patterning. These fish have a reddish-brown body color with white dots, giving the fish the pearl or lace-like appearance. The fins are flowing as well. Pearl gouramis are very peaceful fish. This makes breeding them less of a challenge, as you don't have to worry about aggression in the breeding pair.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon freshwater aquarium
  • Water heating or cooling system
  • pH testing kit
  • Sand substrate
  • Floating plants
  • Fish net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater breeding aquarium for the pearl gouramis. The aquarium should be about 10 gallons in size, with water that is relatively shallow. A depth of 6 inches to 8 inches should work well. Although these gouramis are peaceful and may spawn in an aquarium with other fish, other fish often pose a threat to the eggs or young gouramis. Therefore, it's best to place the pearl gourami breeding pair in a separate aquarium.

    • 2

      Adjust the temperature and pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium so it is comfortable for the pearl gouramis. Pearl gouramis prefer a temperature between 74 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5. Since both the temperature and pH ranges are wide, chances are you won't have to change them. However, an aquarium water heating or cooling system, and water pH additives, can be used if necessary. Temperatures in the higher range, near 80 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes promote breeding.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of the breeding aquarium with a substrate of sand. Pearl gouramis are unique in their breeding in that the male fish spits sand into the bubble nest. Some of the sand may remain in the nest, while other pieces fall below the nest, forming a mound.

    • 4

      Place several floating plants in the breeding aquarium. These plants provide a place for the pearl gourami male to build the bubble nest, where the eggs will be kept until they hatch. Other objects, such as half a Styrofoam cup, can also be placed in the aquarium. The male fish may use these objects to build the bubble nest at the water's surface.

    • 5

      Place a male and female pearl gourami in the breeding aquarium. You'll know you have a male by looking at the shape of the fish. Male pearl gouramis have dorsal and anal fins that are pointier than the female's. Males are also more slender overall, compared to the female fish. Male pearl gouramis also develop red markings along the front of their bodies when they are ready to breed.

    • 6

      Watch the fish. After the pair has been introduced to the breeding aquarium, the male will begin to build the bubble nest. This behavior should start almost right away. When the nest is finished, the male will entice the female to the nest. The pearl gouramis will breed. The male will move the eggs into the nest.

    • 7

      Remove the female pearl gourami from the breeding aquarium with a small net. The female has done her job. It's now the male's task to care for the eggs, and then the young fish, until they are swimming freely on their own. The eggs hatch within a day and a half.