Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius (Red Flame variety)
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Origin: Wild dwarf gouramis come from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, living in slow-moving, plant-filled waters. The Red Flame variant is a selectively bred color strain known for its intense red and orange coloration.
- Popularity: Very popular for its striking flame-red body, peaceful nature, and suitability for planted community tanks.
🎨 Appearance
- Color:
- Bold red and orange “flame” pattern across the body.
- Iridescent scales with metallic blue highlights, especially on the fins.
- Males show extremely bright red; females are more muted.
- Structure:
- Slender oval-shaped body.
- Long trailing ventral fins (feeler fins).
- Rounded dorsal and anal fins with beautiful edging.
- Size:
- Typically 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm).
- Lifespan: 4–5 years in clean, warm water.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons; 20+ gallons preferred for best color.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
- Lighting: Moderate; enhances their fiery red tones.
- Substrate: Dark substrate brings out better coloration.
- Habitat Setup:
- Add dense plants (Amazon sword, water sprite, lotus).
- Floating plants are ideal — gouramis love shaded areas.
- Low water flow — they prefer calm waters.
- Tight lid recommended; they are labyrinth fish and breathe air.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Foods:
- High-quality micro pellets or flake food.
- Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
- Occasional veggie-based foods (spirulina, blanched spinach).
- Feeding Tips:
- Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.
🤝 Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful, gentle, shy with active tank mates.
- Tank Mates:
- Ideal with tetras, rasboras, corydoras, plecos, platies, guppies, and shrimp.
- Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs.
- Grouping:
- Males prefer being kept alone (territorial with other dwarf gourami males).
- Can keep one male with multiple females.
- Behavior:
- Slow swimmer, often glides gracefully through plants.
- Uses feeler fins to explore surroundings.
💡 Care Notes
- Requires clean water and gentle filtration.
- Avoid strong currents and loud tank mates.
- Bright red colors intensify with a varied protein-rich diet.
- A perfect choice for planted aquariums due to its gentle swimming style and striking flame-red coloration.
