Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii)

Trichopodus leerii carries a fine, lace-like speckled pattern that's genuinely one of the more elegant looks in the gourami family, but the more functionally interesting feature is the pair of long, thread-like ventral fins trailing beneath the body, used as tactile feelers to sense the surroundings rather than for swimming. Males develop an orange-red throat and chest wash in breeding condition, an easy way to sex a mature pair. Gentle, unhurried, and one of the better community gouramis for a mixed tank.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~4.5" · Min tank: 30 gal · Diet: Omnivore, flake/pellet + frozen