Moonlight Gourami
Pickup currently unavailable at Napier
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
-
Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
-
Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
-
Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
-
Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Explore related options
You may also like fish food , aquatic plants .
The Moonlight Gourami is an elegant freshwater fish admired for its shimmering silver body and peaceful temperament. Named for its soft iridescent sheen that resembles moonlight, this graceful gourami makes a beautiful centrepiece in planted community aquariums. Mature males develop striking orange to red pelvic fins and a more pointed dorsal fin, adding further visual appeal.
Moonlight Gouramis are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both intermediate and experienced aquarists. They appreciate calm, well-planted aquariums with plenty of swimming space and floating plants, where they can display their natural behaviours.
Physical Characteristics
-
Adult Size:
Approximately 12–15cm -
Body Shape:
Laterally compressed body with long thread-like pelvic fins -
Colouration:
Silvery body with a soft iridescent sheen and pale green highlights. Mature males develop orange to red pelvic fins. -
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males have a longer, more pointed dorsal fin and brighter orange to red pelvic fins, while females have a shorter, rounded dorsal fin -
Lifespan:
Approximately 4–6 years with proper care
Behaviour & Temperament
-
Temperament:
Peaceful -
Swimming Level:
Middle to upper levels -
Social Behaviour:
Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums. Can be kept singly, as pairs, or in groups in larger aquariums. -
Recommended Group Size:
Single fish, pairs, or small groups in spacious aquariums
Aquarium Requirements
-
Minimum Tank Size:
150 litres recommended -
Water Temperature:
24–30°C -
pH Range:
6.0–7.5 -
Water Hardness:
Soft to moderately hard water -
Water Flow:
Gentle water movement preferred -
Substrate:
Fine gravel or sand -
Aquascape:
Heavily planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants, and open swimming areas -
Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting
Feeding:
Moonlight Gouramis are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet.
-
Suitable Foods:
High-quality tropical flakes, floating pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and occasional vegetable-based foods -
Frequency:
Offer 1–2 meals daily in amounts they can consume within a few minutes.
Compatibility
-
Suitable Tank Mates:
Tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, peaceful rainbowfish, peaceful loaches, and other non-aggressive community fish -
Avoid Housing With:
Aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, or highly territorial fish
Breeding
-
Spawning Type:
Bubble nest builder -
Difficulty:
Moderate -
Notes:
Males construct bubble nests amongst floating plants and guard the eggs until they hatch. A separate breeding aquarium is recommended for successful spawning.
Special Considerations
- Provide access to the water surface, as Moonlight Gouramis breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ.
- Floating plants help these fish feel secure and encourage natural behaviour.
- Avoid strong water currents, which can stress this slow-swimming species.
- Maintain excellent water quality through regular maintenance and water changes.
Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.
