[2] In color, they sparkle with red, green, and blue hues, and can produce an audible croaking noise using a specialised pectoral mechanism.

In the right light, its eyes appear bright blue, and its arrowhead-shaped body and caudal fins reflect a rainbow of colors as it swims.

It is important to avoid any strong currents in the aquarium and have plenty of hiding places; a heavily planted tank with subdued lighting is ideal.

Notoriously nippy fish such as tiger barbs or large danios are poor choices for tank companions.

Pygmy gouramis can be induced to breed by raising the temperature and dropping the water level about 15 cm (5.9 in).

The female releases a packet of eggs which is then collected and deposited into a bubble nest created earlier by the male.

The free-swimming fry are tiny and require microscopic infusoria until they are large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp or dry food.