Trichopodus leerii — Platinum Gourami
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Selectively bred color variant of the Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii), originally native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)
Size: Up to 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches)
Lifespan: 4–6 years
 
Natural Habitat
Environment: Slow-moving, densely vegetated rivers, swamps, and peat bogs with abundant floating plants
Water Conditions: Soft to moderately hard water, often tannin-stained (blackwater) with subdued lighting
Temperature Range: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
 
Physical Description
Body Shape: Deep-bodied, laterally compressed with a pointed dorsal fin and elongated pelvic “feelers”
Coloration:
Metallic silvery-white (“platinum”) body with subtle iridescent pearl-like spotting along the flanks and upper body
Fins nearly transparent to pale gold, often with faint reflective highlights under strong lighting
Eyes appear bright with a silvery sheen
 
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres (15 gallons) for a pair; larger (100+ litres) recommended for mixed groups
Water Parameters:
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
Water Flow: Low to moderate; avoid strong currents
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to mimic natural riverbeds
Décor:
Dense planting with tall stems (e.g., Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne) and floating plants (e.g., Amazon frogbit, Salvinia) to diffuse lighting
Driftwood or bogwood for shaded retreats
Open midwater swimming areas
Filtration: Gentle filtration (sponge filter or low-flow hang-on-back) to maintain water clarity without creating strong currents
 
Diet
Type: Omnivorous
Preferred Foods:
High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for gouramis
Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms) to enhance coloration and conditioning
Occasional vegetable matter (blanched spinach or zucchini)
Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes
 
Behavior & Tank Mates
Temperament:
Generally peaceful and relatively shy compared to more aggressive gourami species
Males may display mild territoriality toward other male gouramis, especially during breeding
Compatible Tank Mates:
Other peaceful community fish such as small Rasboras, Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, small peaceful barbs (e.g., Cherry Barbs)
Avoid fin-nipping or overly boisterous species (e.g., Tiger Barbs, large aggressive cichlids)
Behavior Notes:
Spends much time in upper and mid-water levels, often grazing biofilm on leaves and trunks
Uses elongated pelvic fins (“feelers”) to explore substrate and vegetation
Appreciates subdued lighting and heavily planted cover to feel secure
 
Breeding
Spawning Method: Bubble-nest builder
Breeding Conditions:
Provide gentle current and floating plants to serve as nesting sites
Maintain warm (26–28°C), very clean water with regular small water changes to trigger spawning
Feed male a high-protein diet of live/frozen foods in advance to encourage nest-building behavior
Spawning Behavior:
Male constructs a bubble nest at the water’s surface, often beneath floating leaves or plants
After courtship, the female releases eggs, which the male collects and places into the bubble nest
Male guards and tends the nest; remove the female after spawning to avoid aggression
Fry Care:
Eggs hatch in about 24–48 hours; fry remain in the nest under parental protection for another 2–3 days
Once free-swimming, feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food; after 1 week, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp or micro pellets
 
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (this variant is captive-bred)
Notes: As a selectively bred color morph of the wild Pearl Gourami, the Platinum Gourami does not exist in natural populations. Their appeal lies in striking metallic coloration, but maintaining pristine, well-planted conditions is essential to replicate their natural blackwater environment and ensure robust health.