Golden gourami – sun “bunnies” in the aquarium

Known as the "sunny bunnies" of the aquarium world, golden gouramis add a pop of color and coziness to any tank. Aquarium enthusiasts often choose these fish because of their lively golden-yellow color and amiable disposition. They are a delightful addition to aquariums for both beginners and experts due to their striking appearance and lively behavior.

In addition to being visually pleasing, golden gouramis also have a vibrant and interesting presence in the tank. These fish are an excellent choice for people who are new to fishkeeping because they are comparatively simple to care for. They are adaptable as tank mates because of their peaceful and gregarious disposition, which makes them get along with a wide range of other species.

This post will go over the essentials of caring for golden gouramis, such as tank setup, maintenance schedules, and ways to make sure they live a healthy life. Read on to find out why golden gouramis are a fantastic addition to any aquatic setup, whether you’re thinking about getting some for your aquarium or you just want to know more about these interesting fish.

Description

Characteristics of yellow gourami Description
Affiliation A type of labyrinth fish belonging to the Macropodidae family
Habitat They were bred from fish living in tropical freshwater bodies of Southeast Asia and nearby islands
Breeding This type of fish does not live in the natural environment, but was bred artificially by breeders. Bred from the blue gourami. Obtaining the species trichopterus sumatranus var began in the 20th century
Conditions of maintenance A spacious aquarium with a volume of more than 80 liters for a flock
Water temperature About 25 degrees
Compatibility with other fish High compatibility, gets along with almost all types of fish and other underwater creatures
Difficulty of keeping Low, suitable for beginner aquarists who are not familiar with keeping fish

Appearance

The term "golden" (sunny, yellow, or lemon) gourami accurately describes their appearance.

Characteristic Description
Body shape The body is elongated towards the head and tail, reaching its maximum width in the middle. Externally resembles a pointed oval. The body is compressed from the sides, but the abdomen is much more convex than the rest of the body
Head shape The head is triangular in shape, sharply narrowing towards the mouth
Body color The body color is golden yellow, the brightest on the back and head, and closer to the abdomen the color weakens and becomes pale yellow. From the muzzle to the tail, dark-colored stripes run along the body almost to the abdomen, most often narrow
Body size They become sexually mature at a body size of 7 cm, and the maximum body length of large representatives is 17 cm. Average body size is 12 cm
Eyes The eyes are large and round, colored yellow-orange
Fins The fins and tail are also colored golden, but with dark stripes, spots, streaks. Spots are especially prevalent on the ventral fin. Often, the dorsal and anal fins have a pale yellow border on the edges. The ventral fins have taken on an unusual shape and began to resemble long, sensitive antennae. Gourami straighten their fins-antennae to search for food and feel the bottom substrate
Mouth Small in size and difficult to notice. Extends upward

Behavior

Sun gourami are primarily identified by their placid demeanor and calm demeanor toward the people in their immediate vicinity. However, there are also acerbic delegates. These typically include young men who have reached puberty. Young fish attempt to impress females and claim a respectable place in the fish hierarchy as a result of the hormone surge. However, this is less common than a pattern, as a school of gourami can coexist peacefully without disputes.

Multiple males may be at odds with one another in a small area. Aggressive behavior can occasionally affect other aquarium occupants, most frequently small fish.

Life expectancy

A golden gourami can live anywhere from four to six years. But they only live for two years because of poor upkeep or a toxic environment.

Beginners in aquaristics can benefit from lemon gourami due to their resilience and understated nature. They will readily overlook some maintenance errors made by novices. However, before making a purchase, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the fundamental guidelines for upkeep and care.

Because gourami are diurnal creatures, it is simpler to keep an eye on, feed, and track their procreation than it is on nocturnal creatures.

They can be contained in pairs as well as alone, along with a school of fish. However, it’s best to start small flocks—five to fifteen fish should be plenty. This is because fish prefer wide bodies of water.

Guri can breathe atmospheric air, just like all other labyrinth fish can. As a result, the aquarist needs to keep an eye on both the air temperature in the aquarium’s room and the water’s temperature. The air above the water should ideally warm to a temperature of 25 degrees. It will require a non-tight cover that won’t let the heat escape rapidly if you can’t get the temperature down to that level.

Like other fish, this one also needs water replacement; every week, replace ¼ of the clean water. The fish finds it stressful when it is placed in a new environment and finds it difficult to adjust to the new water parameters, so you cannot replace the entire volume of water at once.

Aquarium

Fish are naturally free-spirited creatures that enjoy swimming in practically infinite space, so you should choose your aquarium accordingly. Thus, keep in mind that each fish will need 10–20 liters of water when purchasing an aquarium. As a result, an aquarium with 30–40 liters will be sufficient for a pair of fish, and a school of 10-15 fish will require 100–300 liters of water.

The aquarium’s lid closes it off. Keeping yellow gourami is required because they can readily jump out of the water and perish on land. However, you must also allow room for airflow.

Live or artificial plants, substrate, snags, grottoes, embankments, and other ornamental elements must all be included in the aquarium’s design. Keep in mind that gourami require shelter because they are extremely timid animals. However, you shouldn’t just fill the aquarium with every decorative item that is available. Consider how much room there will be for swimming and fish games.

Water parameters

Water parameter Acceptable value
Water temperature 24-26 degrees. Fluctuations up to 22-28 degrees are acceptable, but long-term keeping of fish in cool water leads to diseases. A temperature of 28–31 degrees is required for spawning
Hardness 8–15 gH
Acidity 6.5–6.9 pH

Plants

Any kind of vegetation with long stems is appropriate, as are any that grows densely and floats. Although the fish aren’t known to harm vegetation, they occasionally have the ability to nibble leaves.

It’s important to know when to stop adding plants to the aquarium and to avoid overstocking it. More open space is required for gourami swimming than in an aquarium with a lot of overgrowth. It is preferable to place greenery on the sides and close to the aquarium’s back wall. To view the fish, the front glass and the middle of the aquarium are left open. Low plants may occasionally be placed in the front and middle, but only if they are no larger than a few centimeters.

Which plants work well in an aquarium with a gourami?

Plant name Why is it suitable
Anubias Against a dark green background, the golden color stands out favorably
Aponogeton Oversized dense leaves are a good shelter for timid fish
Barclaya longifolia Tall stems with leaves allow you to hide
Vallisneria Ribbon-shaped leaves create dense thickets, allowing you to become a reliable shelter
Hydrocotyla Rounded leaves create shaded areas that gourami often need for rest
Ludwigia Pale brown leaves highlight the color of the gourami, and also protect well from light
Indian fern Creates protected thickets, but they do not interfere with swimming through them calmly, without clinging to the fins

Soil

When it comes to substrate selection, gourami are not particular; any variety of colors that are readily available will work for them, including sand, pebbles, gravel, marble, and special factory substrates. However, if your goal is to design the aquarium as a room décor as well as to provide the fish with ideal living conditions, then go with a dark shade of soil. Once more, fish with their vibrant yellow and golden hues will stand out and attract attention.

Equipment

The aquarium’s water ought to be still or have a slight current. Consequently, goldfish do not require the use of a compressor to generate additional current. However, if a weak-acting filter is installed, the aquarium will remain clean.

Lighting

Since gourami are not light-sensitive, you are free to select any type of lighting. However, designate a number of shady spots with vegetation or caves where the fish can rest.

Feeding

They consume a wide variety of foods, including frozen food, dried food, granules, flakes, and live insects and larvae. They are not fussy eaters. They do well on bloodworms, brine shrimp, and corethra. They also consume tiny hydras and snails that have made their home in aquariums.

Compatibility

Excellent compatibility with calm, large fish that doesn’t require needless activities:

  • Barbs.
  • Danio.
  • Cardinals.
  • Rasboras.
  • Carps.
  • Algae eaters.
  • Labeo.
  • Notropis.
  • Ancistrus.
  • Acanthus.
  • Catfish.
  • Synodontis.
  • Veiltails.
  • Goldfish.
  • Guppies.
  • Swordtails.
  • Fry of all types.
Aspect Details
Scientific Name Trichopodus auratus
Common Name Golden Gourami
Size Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Color Golden-yellow with a shimmering appearance
Origin Southeast Asia
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons
Water Conditions Warm water, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard
Diet Omnivorous, eats flakes, pellets, and live food
Behavior Peaceful, social, enjoys swimming among plants
Tank Mates Other peaceful fish, avoids aggressive species

The golden gourami genuinely deserves to be considered a gem in the aquarium because of its vivid color and kind disposition. These fish add a splash of color and serenity to any aquatic arrangement with their eye-catching golden hue. They are an excellent option for both inexperienced and seasoned fish keepers due to their versatility in adapting to different tank conditions.

In order to properly care for golden gouramis, one must maintain a balanced habitat with high-quality water and a varied diet. They do best in heavily planted aquariums with lots of swimming area and low-flow filtration. By providing them with the care and attention they require, these "sunny bunnies" will thrive and add color to your aquarium.

In general, golden gouramis are robust, easy to maintain, and aesthetically pleasing. They are a delightful addition to any tank, adding color and character with their charm and elegance. The golden gourami is an excellent option if you want to add some color and low care to your aquarium.

The Golden Gourami, also referred to as "sun bunnies" with affection, brightens up any aquarium with a charming splash of color. These fish are aesthetically pleasing and reasonably easy to care for, thanks to their striking golden hue and amiable disposition. They are an excellent option for both novice and seasoned aquarists wishing to add some color to their aquatic setup because they thrive in well-maintained tanks with gentle filtration and a balanced diet.

Videos on the topic

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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