It inhabits slow-moving waters in rivulets, streams and lakes, occurring in areas with plentiful vegetation.

[4] Dwarf gouramis sold in fish stores may also be solid colors (e.g., powder blue dwarf gourami or red flame variety) which are nothing but captive bred color morphs of the same species.

Similar to the archerfish, the dwarf gourami can project a stream of water from its mouth to hunt prey above the surface, to a maximum distance of ~5 cm.

Before being introduced into the aquarium trade, the dwarf, along with the snakeskin gourami was and still is a popular food fish in its native range.

[6] In Bangladesh it is known as "Kholisha" and "Khosti" in India and "Kungee" in Punjab as well as different linguistic variants within its range.

Recent research has shown that 22% of Singapore Trichogaster lalius carry this virus.

An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp, will provide these fish with proper nutrition.

Limnophila aquatica, Riccia fluitans, Ceratopteris thalictroides, and Vesicularia dubyana, are good choices for the breeding tank.

He signals his intentions by swimming around the female with flared fins, attempting to draw her to the nest where he will continue his courting display.

At this point the female will release approximately five dozen clear eggs, which are immediately fertilized by the male.

The male will now take sole responsibility for the eggs, aggressively defending the nest and surrounding territory.

When first hatched, the tiny fry should be fed infusoria, and later, brine shrimp and finely ground flakes.