Moonlight Gourami

Trichopodus microlepis

Moonlight Gourami is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Moonlight Gourami?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 6 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Moonlight Gourami is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Moonlight Gourami get?

Moonlight Gourami reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Moonlight Gourami need?

Use an aquarium of at least 40 US gal (150 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Moonlight Gourami peaceful?

Yes. Moonlight Gourami is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Moonlight Gourami?

Keep it between 25 to 30 °C.