Eyespot Gourami (Parasphaerichthys ocellatus) Tiny, peaceful and full of charm, the Eyespot Gourami is a rarely seen nano species prized by dedicated aquarists. Its intricate markings, gentle nature and fascinating behaviour make it a rewarding fish for carefully maintained planted aquariums. Quick Facts Scientific name: Parasphaerichthys ocellatus Common name: Eyespot Gourami Adult size: 2.5–3 cm Tank size: 30L+ recommended Difficulty: 🟡 Intermediate Temperament: Peaceful and shy Best kept: Small groups of 6 or more Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: You enjoy keeping rare and unusual nano fish. You have a mature, heavily planted aquarium. You appreciate observing subtle natural behaviours. You want a peaceful species aquarium or gentle community setup. ❌ Avoid if: Your aquarium is newly established. You keep large, active or aggressive fish. You prefer bold, constantly active fish. You cannot maintain stable water quality. Why choose Eyespot Gourami? The Eyespot Gourami is one of the hobby's hidden gems. Native to slow-moving waters in Myanmar, this tiny labyrinth fish displays beautiful earthy tones highlighted by distinctive eyespots and delicate patterning that blends perfectly into natural aquascapes. Unlike many larger gouramis, this species is exceptionally peaceful and thrives in quiet surroundings with plenty of plants, leaf litter and shaded areas. Their calm behaviour makes them fascinating to observe as they slowly explore every corner of the aquarium. Because they are uncommon in the aquarium trade, Eyespot Gouramis are highly sought after by hobbyists looking to create something truly different from a typical community aquarium. Benefits Rare and unusual nano species Perfect for natural planted aquariums Peaceful temperament Suitable for small aquariums Interesting natural behaviour Excellent choice for experienced nano fish enthusiasts Care made simple Temperature: 22–26°C pH: 6.0–7.2 Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with floating plants, leaf litter and subdued lighting Perform small weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality. Pairs perfectly with Chili Rasboras* Phoenix Rasboras* Small peaceful Corydoras Pygmy Corydoras Peaceful freshwater shrimp *Where legally available. In Australia, always check current permitted species before stocking. NTA Insight: Eyespot Gouramis reward patience rather than constant activity. They often become much more confident in well-planted aquariums with floating plants and when kept in small groups. Their colours also tend to improve once they've settled into a mature aquarium with minimal disturbance. FAQ How big do Eyespot Gouramis grow? Adults typically reach around 2.5–3 cm, making them an excellent nano species. Are they suitable for beginners? They are best suited to aquarists with some experience maintaining stable, mature aquariums, as they can be sensitive to poor water quality. Can they live in community aquariums? Yes, provided they are housed with very peaceful tank mates that won't intimidate or outcompete them for food. Do they need to be kept in groups? Yes. Small groups of six or more generally help them feel secure and encourage more natural behaviour. What foods do they prefer? They thrive on a varied diet including live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms, supplemented with high-quality micro pellets.
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