Dwarf Gourami vs Peacock Bass
Trichogaster lalius compared with Cichla temensis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Dwarf Gourami | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trichogaster lalius | Cichla temensis |
| Order | Anabantiformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Dwarf Gourami | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 9.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.005 kg | 12.7 kg |
| Color | Males show brilliant alternating diagonal red-orange and iridescent turquoise-blue stripes across the flanks; dorsal and anal fins have red and blue streaking; throat and belly vivid electric blue. | Golden-yellow to olive-green body with three bold dark vertical bars on the flanks; a striking black ocellus edged in gold at the tail base; breeding males develop a prominent nuchal hump. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Dwarf Gourami | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | — | — |
| Geographic Range | Native to the rivers and floodplains of West Bengal, Assam, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan. Found in densely vegetated slow streams, ponds, and flooded rice … | Native to the Amazon River basin and Orinoco River system in South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. Inhabits blackwater rivers, flooded forests, and large … |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers, ponds, and ditches of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Shallow, warm, densely vegetated freshwater (22-28°C). Males highly territorial and build bubble nests among floating … | Native to Southeast Asian rivers including the Mekong basin. Warm, slow-moving freshwater with soft substrates. Introduced to tropical aquaculture systems globally. Tolerates wide temperature range … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Dwarf Gourami | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 40 L | — |
| Temperature | 22-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Easy | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Dwarf Gourami | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Dwarf Gourami
Not consumed — popular ornamental labyrinth fish treasured in freshwater aquariums for its vivid red-and-blue striped coloration and calm temperament.
Peacock Bass
Firm, white flesh with a clean, mild flavor and low fat content. Prized table fish throughout Amazonian cuisines; excellent grilled, pan-fried, or steamed with citrus.
Species Overview
Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami is a brightly colored labyrinth fish native to the slow-moving waters of South Asia. Males build elaborate bubble nests at the surface for spawning. Its pelvic fins have evolved into long, thread-like feelers used to sense the environment.
Peacock Bass
The peacock bass is the crown jewel of Amazon basin sport fishing. Despite its name, it is actually a large cichlid. Known for explosive topwater strikes and powerful, drag-screaming runs in tropical rivers and lagoons.