Dwarf Gourami are one of the most popular tropical fish in the aquarium hobby. They are hardy, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors.
But what do you feed them? In this post, we will discuss the best food options for Dwarf Gourami. We will also cover some common feeding mistakes that can be harmful to your fish. So read on to learn more!
What are Dwarf Gourami?
Dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia) is a freshwater member of the cichlid family. It is native to South Asia, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
There are around nine subspecies of Dwarf Gourami . The most common species in aquarium trade is Colisa lalia (also known as the Pearl Gourami).
Adult Dwarf Gourami can reach up to three inches in length.
They share similar traits with other gourami fish, such as a labyrinth organ and a unique protective spine beneath their eye.
Despite its popularity, there is still a lot of misinformation about Dwarf Gourami. For example, many people believe that all varieties of Dwarf Gourami are brightly colored with red, yellow, and blue shades.
In truth, only the Pearl Gourami is bright in color. Other subspecies are more neutral or even dull in color.
What to Feed Dwarf Gourami?
Since Dwarf Gourami are omnivores, they will eat both fish and live prey.
Here are the best food options for Dwarf Gourami:
Live prey:
Like other gouramis, Dwarf Gourami are hunters. They will eat any small aquatic insects or invertebrates available in the tank. In nature, their diet consists of small crustaceans and insects such as water fleas, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp.
If you are feeding live prey, make sure the insects are small enough for your fish to eat. Even after they are consumed, the exoskeleton (or shell) should be leftover.
Live prey is ideal because it contains all the nutrients your fish needs for healthy growth.
Dwarf Gourami can eat all types of live prey including blackworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. A popular choice is to feed them Daphnia, which is small freshwater crustaceans.
Commercial Fish Food:
Dwarf Gourami are omnivores, so they can thrive on both plant and animal-derived ingredients.
To create a balanced diet, you can offer them a commercial flake or pellet food specifically formulated for omnivorous fish.
Many of these products are available at your local pet store or Walmart. You can also find them on Amazon with a few clicks.
Here is a list of good commercial foods for Dwarf Gourami:
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: Highly digestible ingredients for use as staple food for your top- and...
- COMPLETE DIET: Nutritionally balanced for optimal health.
- ACTIVE LIFE FORMULA: With added antioxidants for healthy cells, select proteins for growth and...
- GOLDFISH FORMULATION: Specially designed for use as a staple flake food for your goldfish or small...
- FOR DAILY FEEDING: Nutritionally balanced diet for optimal health, color and vitality.
- PROCARE FORMULA: Helps support fish’s immune system for optimal health and long life.
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: TetraPro Tropical Color Crisps provide advanced nutrition for the discerning...
- OPTIMAL HEALTH: Made with exclusive low-heat process that preserves essential vitamins and nutrients...
- COLOR ENHANCING: High content of natural color enhancers promote the development of rich, beautiful...
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: Highly digestible flake blend for use as staple food for all tropical fish.
- PLUS SHRIMP: With natural shrimp for maximum flavor – a natural attractant for aquarium fish.
- FOR ALL TROPICAL FISH: ProCare blend helps support your fish’s immune system for optimal health...
- GOLDFISH FORMULATION: Specially designed for use as a staple flake food for your goldfish or small...
- FOR DAILY FEEDING: Nutritionally balanced diet for optimal health, color and vitality.
- PROCARE FORMULA: Helps support fish’s immune system for optimal health and long life.
- Ideal for bottom dwelling fish
- Nutritious food ingredients that fish are naturally attracted to
- Formulated so that fish utilize more of what they eat and create less waste
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: Tetra Tropical Color Flakes were created with the fishkeeper’s success in...
- COLOR ENHANCING: Formulated to boost your fish’s naturally brilliant colors.
- DESIGNED FOR: Perfect for top- and mid-feeding fish.
- GOLDFISH FORMULATION: Specially formulated as a premium staple flake food for your goldfish or small...
- WITH ALGAE FLAKES: Extra vegetable matter helps support fish health and promote digestibility.
- PROCARE FORMULA: Helps support fish’s immune system for optimal health and long life.
- KOI POND NUTRITION An ideal maintenance diet for your koi ornamental goldfish and other outdoor fish...
- DAILY DIET Provides nutrition for energy longevity and overall health
- SOFT STICKS Floating sticks are easy for fish to eat and digest
![Blue Ridge Fish Food [14lb], Platinum Professional Formula...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ars90184L._SL160_.jpg)
- Koi and goldfish fish food, premium all-season floating pellets and the same high-quality diet used...
- TOP SHOW CONDITION including top quality protein, carbohydrates, and amino acids - floating pellets...
- PROVEN COLOR ENHANCER Spirulina and Canthaxanthin for superior color enhancement, providing a...
TetraColor PLUS Tropical Flakes with Color Enhancing
- TROPICAL FORMULATION: Highly digestible flake formula for use as staple food for all tropical fish.
- PLUS COLOR ENHANCEMENT: Rich in carotene and other ingredients to bring out natural pink to...
- HIGH-PROTEIN FORMULA: Specialized fish meal makes this Tetra brand’s most digestible flake food...
In general, you can feed Dwarf Gourami as much as they can eat within five minutes twice a day. Sprinkling food on the water surface is a good way to get their attention.
However, you should never overfeed your fish or release excess food into the water because that can pollute your tank.
Dwarf Gourami Feeding Mistakes to Avoid!
There are a few common mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Feeding too much protein-rich food :
Dwarf Gourami are omnivores, but eating too much protein can reduce their lifespan.
Make sure you offer them a varied diet of both plant and animal-based ingredients, including live prey.
Feeding them color-enhancing flakes too often :
Artificial colors reduce the nutritional value of your fish food.
Some aquarists argue that dyes may be harmful to your fish in the long run.
So instead of buying those flashy flakes, use a natural pellet or flake food instead.
Using tap water :
Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines used to kill bacteria in the pipes.
Chlorine can irritate your fish’s skin and fins, whereas chloramines are toxic to gourami fish.
Using filtered water or spring water is much safer for your fish.
Aquarium Salt can also help if you are using tap water.
Feeding them flakes from Tetra and Top Fin brands:
Tetra and Top Fin are popular for their “color-enhancing” products.
However, some fish experts believe that dyes in their food can be harmful to your fish’s health.
It is true that brightly colored fish are often less healthy than darker ones.
Final Thoughts
Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful fish that’s relatively easy to keep.
If you care for them properly, they will reward you with long life and countless hours of enjoyment.
Feeding them the right diet is the key to their health.
Follow the tips outlined in this article, and you will have healthy Dwarf Gourami for many years to come!
