Moonlight Gourami

Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Moonlight Gourami

The Moonlight Gourami is an elegant freshwater fish recognised for its silvery-white body, subtle greenish sheen and long, flowing pelvic fins. Its soft metallic appearance gives it a beautiful moonlit look, making it an excellent feature fish for a peaceful community aquarium.

They are generally peaceful but can become territorial, particularly males. Moonlight Gouramis appreciate calm water, plenty of vegetation and areas of surface cover, which help them feel secure.

Like other gouramis, they possess a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe atmospheric air. They should therefore have access to the water's surface and benefit from a relatively calm surface.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Trichopodus microlepis
Common Name: Moonlight Gourami / Moonbeam Gourami
Family: Osphronemidae
Type: Freshwater Fish / Gourami
Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: Approximately 24–30°C
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Surface
Group Size: Can be kept singly or in suitable groups
Suitable For: Peaceful Community and Planted Aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Moonlight Gouramis peaceful?

Generally yes, although they can become territorial, particularly males. Providing plenty of space, plants and hiding areas can help reduce aggression.

How big do Moonlight Gouramis get?

Moonlight Gouramis can reach approximately 12–15 cm in aquarium conditions.

Do Moonlight Gouramis need plants?

They don't strictly require live plants, but planted aquariums are highly beneficial. Vegetation provides cover and security while creating natural territories.

Can Moonlight Gouramis breathe air?

Yes. They have a labyrinth organ that allows them to take oxygen directly from the atmosphere. Make sure they always have access to the water's surface.

What do Moonlight Gouramis eat?

They are omnivores and accept quality flakes and pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in a tank with excessive surface turbulence
Strong surface movement can make it difficult for gouramis to comfortably access atmospheric air.

Keeping multiple males in a small aquarium
Male Moonlight Gouramis can become territorial.

Choosing overly aggressive tank mates
Their peaceful nature makes them unsuitable for aggressive community setups.

Providing no surface cover
Floating plants and tall vegetation can help them feel secure.

Keeping them in an undersized aquarium
Their adult size and swimming behaviour require adequate space.