Dwarf Gourami vs. Honey Dwarf Gourami: What's the Difference?

If you've shopped for gouramis, you've probably seen "dwarf gourami," "honey gourami," "honey dwarf gourami," and "sunset honey gourami" used almost interchangeably. They are not all the same fish. Here's how to tell them apart and choose the right one for your tank.

The Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

The true dwarf gourami is a separate species. Males show bold red-orange bodies with bright blue vertical bars, while females are a duller silver-blue. They grow to about 3 to 3.5 inches. Dwarf gouramis are colorful, active fish, but males can be territorial toward each other, so most aquarists keep one male per tank or a male with several females.

Shop Dwarf Gouramis: https://tilapiastore.com/products/dwarf-gourami

The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)

The honey gourami is a different species. It stays smaller, usually around 2 inches, and is one of the most peaceful gouramis in the hobby. Males develop a warm honey-gold color with a dark throat when breeding, while females are a softer tan-gold. Honey gouramis are an excellent choice for community tanks with tetras, rasboras, and other small, peaceful fish.

You'll see this species sold under several names: honey gourami, honey dwarf gourami, and sunset honey gourami. "Sunset" refers to the bright orange color line of the same species.

There is also a dwarf variety of the sunset honey gourami, a smaller form of the sunset line.

Shop Honey Dwarf Gouramis: https://tilapiastore.com/products/honey-dwarf-gourami

Quick Comparison

Dwarf Gourami: Trichogaster lalius, about 3 to 3.5 inches, red and blue striped males, can be territorial.
Honey Gourami: Trichogaster chuna, about 2 inches, gold to orange, very peaceful.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want a bold, colorful centerpiece and have room for one male, the dwarf gourami is a great pick. If you want a calm, small fish for a peaceful planted community tank, the honey gourami is hard to beat.

Both species are tank-raised and hand-selected for health and color at our licensed Florida aquaculture farm, and every order is backed by our Arrive Alive Guarantee.

For complete tank setup, feeding, and water parameters, see our Gourami Care Guide:

 Gourami Care Guides – Tilapia Store

Dwarf Gourami for Sale – Live Fish | TilapiaStore.com – Tilapia Store

Dwarf Honey Gourami – 1.5–2” Peaceful Fish | TilapiaStore.com – Tilapia Store