A gracefully sloping, large labyrinth fish characterized by its beautiful, iridescent silvery sheen and exceptionally long, thread-like ventral fins (feelers). While peaceful and somewhat timid, they are notorious for nibbling on soft-leaved and fine aquarium plants. They require access to the surface to breathe atmospheric air.
Moonlight Gourami At a Glance
Moonlight Gourami Tank Requirements
Will Moonlight Gourami fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Moonlight Gourami needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Moonlight Gourami against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Moonlight Gourami Water Parameters
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Moonlight Gourami Temperament & Compatibility
Moonlight Gourami Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The typical form sold in aquarium stores, usually as unsexed juveniles. Peaceful community fish, but their long feelers can be targets for fin-nipping tank mates (e.g., Tiger Barbs).
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Males are distinguished by an orange to reddish hue on their ventral fins (feelers) and an extended, pointed dorsal fin. They can become territorial toward other males during spawning.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male
Female
Females have colorless or pale yellowish ventral fins and a shorter, rounded dorsal fin. They are generally plumper and more peaceful than males.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female
Moonlight Gourami Care Guide Summary
The Moonlight Gourami, scientifically known as Trichogaster microlepis, belongs to the Anabantoids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Moonlight Gourami requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Moonlight Gourami is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Moonlight Gourami Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Moonlight Gourami, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Moonlight Gourami Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Moonlight Gourami is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Moonlight Gourami Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Moonlight Gourami.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moonlight Gourami
How big does Moonlight Gourami get?
Moonlight Gourami (Trichogaster microlepis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Moonlight Gourami need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 150 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Moonlight Gourami. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Moonlight Gourami need?
Moonlight Gourami thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Moonlight Gourami peaceful or aggressive?
Moonlight Gourami is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Moonlight Gourami live alone?
Yes, Moonlight Gourami can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Moonlight Gourami have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Moonlight Gourami benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Moonlight Gourami need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Moonlight Gourami is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Moonlight Gourami
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Moonlight Gourami based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Freshwater Sole
Brachirus selheimi
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Moonlight Gourami
These plants pair well with Moonlight Gourami based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Floating Fern
Salvinia natans
Giant Salvinia
Salvinia molesta
Water Cabbage
Pistia stratiotes
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
Fish Similar to Moonlight Gourami
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Widely considered the most beautiful and peaceful of the large Gouramis. They feature a 'mosaic' of iridescent spots and a distinct black line running through the eye. Unlike their aggressive cousins (the Three-Spot Gourami), Pearls are generally gentle giants, though males can be territorial towards one another. They are thermophilic (love heat) and require floating plants to feel secure.
Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temminckii
A large, heavily-built labyrinth fish famous for its 'kissing' behavior. This kissing is actually a form of territorial sparring, mostly between males asserting dominance. They are specialized filter-feeders and grazers that use their raspy lips to scrape algae. Because they grow surprisingly large (up to 10-12 inches) and are prone to eating live plants, they require spacious aquariums and specific diets.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
A stunning nano species known for its iridescent blue/green eyes, body spots, and ability to make audible 'croaking' sounds. Unlike many anabantoids, they are social and best kept in groups. However, they are efficient micropredators that will hunt shrimp fry and pests like hydra. Requires stable water parameters and dense planting.
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Trichopodus trichopterus
A robust, semi-aggressive labyrinth fish available in many color morphs (Blue, Gold, Opaline). Biologically, they are all the same species. Unlike the peaceful Pearl Gourami, Three Spots are boisterous and can be bullies. They are excellent for 'semi-aggressive' community tanks (e.g., with Tiger Barbs, large Tetras) but may harass shy or long-finned fish.
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
The smallest and most peaceful member of the Trichogaster genus. Ideally suited for planted nano aquariums. Unlike the aggressive Dwarf Gourami (*T. lalius*), Honey Gouramis are timid and gentle. True Honey Gouramis rarely exceed 5cm. Note: Many bright red fish sold as 'Red Honey' or 'Red Robin' are actually Thick-lipped Gouramis (*T. labiosa*), which grow larger.