Species learning profile

Dwarf gourami

Trichogaster lalius

Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a freshwater fish associated with wetland habitat in South Asia. Thread-like pelvic fins taste and feel the surroundings.

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wetlandOsphronemidae

At a glance

Eau
Eau douce
Habitat
wetland
Longueur maximale
9 cm
Répartition
South Asia
Famille
Osphronemidae
Ordre
Anabantiformes

Observe

How to identify Dwarf gourami

  • Thread-like pelvic fins taste and feel the surroundings.
  • Guide context: wetland habitat in South Asia.
  • Reported maximum length: 9 cm — about hand-length or smaller. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.

Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.

Place and pattern

Where it lives—and how it behaves

Habitat and range

This species is associated with wetland habitat across South Asia. Shallow vegetation, seasonal water, and sometimes low oxygen make wetlands productive but demanding homes.

Behavior

Breathes air and builds bubble nests

Food-web connections

What it eats and why it matters

Diet

Insects, small crustaceans, and algae.

Ecological role

Consumes insects in oxygen-poor wetlands.

Remember

One fact worth keeping

Dwarf gourami peut atteindre environ 9 cm et vit souvent près de wetland.

Think like a conservationist

A conservation lens

Wetland drainage, water withdrawal, invasive species, and pollution can remove habitat faster than fish can relocate.

This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.

Recall

Quick knowledge check

Which habitat is most closely associated with Dwarf gourami in this guide?

Keep exploring

References and further reading

Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.

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