Dwarf Cobalt Blue Gourami
Trichogaster trichopterus
Native Location: North India, Pakistan & Bangladesh
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 7.5cm
Temperament: Community with caution
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding: Easy
Temperature Range: 22-27℃ (72-82℉)
Preferred pH Range: 6.0-7.5
Minimum Aquarium Size 60L (60cmx30cmx30cm)
Potential Tankmates: Rasboras, Kuhli loaches, Emperor Tetras, Corydoras
Care Level: Moderate
The Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami lives in South Asia's slow-moving, densely vegetated waters. Their habitat's natural substrate is often a soft, muddy bottom rich in organic material, which supports the growth of aquatic plants like water lilies, hyacinths, and duckweed. These plants play a critical role in offering the Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami ample hiding spots and areas to explore.
Setting up the ideal aquarium for Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami involves creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat. A tank of at least 60l is recommended, decorated with dense vegetation such as java fern, anubias and floating plants to provide ample hiding spots and reduce stress. Driftwood and smooth rocks can add to the natural aesthetics while offering additional shelter. Lighting should be low to simulate their native, shadowed waters, encouraging their vibrant colours to stand out and reducing skittish behaviour. Gentle water flow is preferred to replicate the calm waters of their South Asian habitats, ensuring the gouramis are comfortable and can display natural swimming behaviours. When selecting tank mates, opt for peaceful, similarly sized fish that thrive in similar conditions, such as tetras, rasboras, and other dwarf gourami varieties, to maintain a harmonious community. Avoiding aggressive or fin-nipping species is crucial to prevent stress and ensure the well-being of your Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami.
In the wild, the Dwarf Cobalt Blue Gourami's natural diet consists predominantly of small insects, larvae, and plankton. This omnivorous species adeptly forages among the dense aquatic vegetation, utilizing its specialized mouth to consume a variety of organic matter floating on the water's surface or submerged plants. To replicate this diet in a home aquarium, it's essential to provide a balanced mix of high-quality flake food or pellets designed for omnivorous tropical fish supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Incorporating vegetable-based foods can also mimic the plant matter they would naturally consume. This varied diet caters to their nutritional needs and encourages natural foraging behaviour, contributing to overall health.
Breeding Cobalt Blue Dwarf Gourami in the home aquarium necessitates meticulous setup and keen observation to emulate the spawning-favorable conditions. Initiate by preparing a dedicated breeding tank, approximately 38-76 litres, with the temperature slightly elevated beyond their usual environment, ideally between 25.5 to 27.8°C, to stimulate breeding activity. This tank should be decorated with ample fine-leaved plants or spawning mops to facilitate bubble nest construction—a quintessential breeding behaviour exhibited by male gouramis.
Opt for subdued lighting and minimal water flow to create a tranquil, stress-minimised setting. Upon completion of the bubble nest by the male, introduce the female. Post-spawning, it is imperative to remove the female as males tend to become territorial over the nest, potentially displaying aggression. Once the fry starts free swimming, the male should be removed. Initial feeding should consist of infusoria or specialised liquid fry food until the young gouramis can consume crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp. Throughout this phase, prioritising water quality is crucial for the health and development of the fry.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping!
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.
