Gourami fish are a great option if you want to give your aquarium a pop of color and personality. These fascinating animals are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts because they come in an array of vivid colors and fascinating patterns. Their friendly disposition makes them simple to take care of, even if you’re new to the hobby. Their calm and elegant movements add a sense of tranquility to any tank.
Gouramis are renowned for their unique looks and fascinating habits. They have a bit of an exotic flair because of their special labyrinth organ, which enables them to breathe air from the surface. Because of this adaptation, they can also tolerate slightly less-than-ideal water conditions, which increases their adaptability to different aquarium setups.
These fish are found in many species, each with unique characteristics. There is a gourami to fit every taste and tank size, from the eye-catching Pearl to the shimmering Blue. As long as their tank mates don’t act too aggressively, they usually enjoy a calm communal setting and get along well with a wide variety of other species.
In conclusion, gourami fish are not only lovely additions to your aquarium, but they also require very little care and are highly adaptive. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced aquarist, adding gouramis to your tank can improve its overall harmony and aesthetic appeal.
| Gourami Species | Description |
| Dwarf Gourami | Small and colorful, ideal for smaller tanks. They come in shades of blue, red, and orange. |
| Pearl Gourami | Known for their distinctive pearl-like spots and peaceful nature. They prefer a well-planted tank. |
| Opaline Gourami | Beautiful with a shimmering blue-green color. They are larger and need a bit more space. |
| Honey Gourami | Small and vibrant with a honey-gold color. They are calm and do well in community tanks. |
Gourami family
Although it is accurate to categorize only members of the genus Trichogaster as gourami, this name has come to refer to a number of fish species belonging to the families Macropodidae, Anabasidae (crawlers), and Helestomaidae.
What does a gourami look like
This fish is quite attractive, with a long body that is somewhat compressed at the sides. Its size is small; in nature, some species can reach lengths of 20–25 cm, but in aquariums, an individual rarely exceeds 10 cm.
The entire body is covered in dorsal and ventral fins, which gradually enlarge toward the end. The genus Trichogaster ("thread from the belly") or Trichopodus ("thread-legged") got its name from the peculiar structure of the pectoral fins. Rather than having typical fins, gourami have long, thin threads growing in front that serve as a tactile organ.
Variety of colors
Varieties of gourami are identified by their vibrant hues and evocative names, such as marble, kissing, growling, honey, thoughtful, and many more. However, if you apply a rigorous scientific methodology, four species are directly related to the Trichogaster gourami:
- pearl gourami – light silver with a purple sheen, strewn with light spots-"pearls", a yellowish back, bluish fins, along the middle line the body is divided in half by a dark dotted stripe;
- moon gourami – about 12 cm long, bluish color with a steel sheen and bright orange eyes, bright, very long orange or yellow pectoral threads;
- brown gourami – the largest, can reach 15-17 cm, brown-silver, with a stripe along the body in the form of black spots, with transverse stripes of a darker shade than the background;
- spotted gourami – the most colorful, due to crossbreeding various combinations of yellow, blue and white are possible, spots all over the body of various shapes, transverse and longitudinal stripes are barely visible.
Independent names for some color morphs of the spotted gourami have been given, such as blue, gold, and others.
How to distinguish a male from a female
A male gourami can be easily distinguished from a female gourami thanks to a few telltale indicators.
| Male | Female |
| Larger | Shorter body |
| A more "slender" appearance | Rounded shape |
| Bright coloring | Slightly muted colors |
| Dorsal fin is large and elongated | Dorsal fin is small, rounded |
| Pectoral fins are orange | Pectoral fins are yellow |
| During excitement, the chest changes color, becomes brighter | No changes are observed |
Inconspicuous and persistent, they don’t need any particular circumstances and aren’t picky about the aeration and purity of the water. A gourami’s only requirement—and their only means of survival—is access to atmospheric air.
The aquarium lid should have a warm, humid air layer because the fish’s labyrinth organ is extremely sensitive to temperature changes and can become injured.
The aquarium’s water should be warm—between 25 and 27 degrees—because cold water can be harmful to people living in the South. Add as many aquatic plants as possible, with a few thickets for the gourami to hide in. Because natural driftwood releases beneficial humic substances, it is beneficial to fish health and design.
Pay attention to the quantity of fish and their mature sizes when selecting an aquarium. For a couple of small gourami, a 20-liter tank will do; however, an aquarium of 80–100 liters is better for a family of brown gourami. One male can be paired with multiple females, but not the other way around as this could lead to aggression.
The gourami’s house is easy to maintain:
- weekly change the water 20-25% of the total volume;
- occasionally clean the walls of the aquarium;
- from time to time clean the soil using the siphon method;
- do not forget to wash the internal filter on time.
Feeding gourami
As long as the food is the proper size for their mouths, they don’t care too much about it. In order to maintain a balanced diet, it is best to mix dry and live food. Make sure the fish have enough food to finish it all in a matter of minutes.
Gurami can survive for one to two weeks without food if you have to go on vacation.
Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose gourami fish because of their eye-catching colors, unusual behaviors, and comparatively simple maintenance needs. These fish, which come in a variety of species from the dwarf and peaceful gourami to the more striking and lively Betta gourami, give visual appeal and intrigue to any aquarium. Maintaining their health and well-being in a home aquarium requires an understanding of their unique requirements, including their preferred water conditions and social behaviors.
Gourami breeding
It is even manageable for a novice. Not only does a standard aquarium work well for spawning, but it also works well if it contains floating plants and doesn’t have a strong current. It is preferable to slightly warm the water—up to 25–27 degrees—for reproduction. For one to two weeks, a couple of "newlyweds" should be fed an abundance of live food.
Male gouramis spread their fins and change color during their highly interesting mating rituals. The father constructs and tends to the nest, using his saliva and air bubbles to form a foam ball. He then drives the female under the nest to fertilize the eggs after he’s done. He gently deposits the eggs into the nest that float to the top. The female will then want to hide somewhere, so it’s best to take her out of the aquarium right away if it’s a separate one.
After hatching, the larvae will stay in the nest for about three more days before starting to swim as fry. At this point, it is best to keep the father away from them. Since he essentially goes without food for the duration of the spawning season, it is best to safeguard the young. Feeding infusoria and special feeds to the "kids" is the optimal approach.
The fry will develop a labyrinth apparatus within a month.
For any aquarium enthusiast, gourami fish are an excellent option. They stand out in a tank thanks to their distinctive appearances and endearing personalities. There is a gourami to fit every taste and tank size, from the graceful long fins of the Pearl to the vivid colors of the Dwarf. Their assortment of hues and designs can give your aquatic setup a hint of the exotic.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, gouramis require little maintenance, which makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced fish keepers. As long as you give them a clean tank, they are flexible and can survive in a variety of water conditions. They can be kept healthy and vibrant with regular maintenance and a well-balanced diet.
Gouramis’ graceful movements and engaging behavior not only add to the beauty of your aquarium, but they also instill a sense of calm. They frequently approach the glass to greet their owners or investigate their surroundings because they are well-known for being amiable animals. Their presence can enhance the viewing experience of your tank.
All things considered, gourami fish provide an excellent blend of visual appeal and low maintenance needs. Gouramis are a delightful option that can enhance your aquatic world, regardless of whether you’re new to aquariums or looking to add a new dimension to your current setup.
