Dwarf gourami is the smallest of the genus, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The male, as might be expected, is the much better coloured. The colour pattern of red and blue-green bands runs vertically across the body and tail, and scintillates during breeding.
Sex could be decided, in addition to the much better colouring, by the pointed end to the dorsal fin of the male. A further check could be taken from the orange-red, feeler-like ventral fins.
Reasonably hardy, and usually peaceful to the point of timidity, the male dwarf gourami occasionally kills his mate during courtship.
Breeding follows the standard description for bubble nesters, except that pieces of fine plant leaves are woven into the nest. The breeding temperature is 80°F.