Gourami Fish: Types, Care, Tank Mates & Setup Guide

Gouramis are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, prized for their brilliant colors, peaceful nature, and hardiness. Native to the slow-moving waters of Asia, gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a special organ that lets them breathe air directly from the surface. This makes them adaptable and well-suited to the home aquarium.

Popular Types of Gourami

Honey Gourami: Small, peaceful, and a warm golden color. One of the best gouramis for community tanks and beginners.

Dwarf Gourami: Vivid blues and reds, stays small, perfect for planted aquariums. Our dwarf gouramis are tank-raised from healthy stock.

Pearl Gourami: Elegant, with a shimmering pearl-like pattern. A standout centerpiece fish for larger community tanks.

Sparkling Gourami: Tiny and iridescent, known for its audible croaking sound. Great for nano tanks.

Paradise Gourami: One of the hardiest gouramis, with striking red and blue striping.

Opaline, Gold, and Blue Gourami: Color varieties of the three-spot gourami, all hardy and easy to keep.

Kissing Gourami: Known for its distinctive "kissing" behavior.

Care and Tank Setup

Tank size: 10 gallons minimum for small types like honey and sparkling gouramis; 30 gallons or more for pearl and larger gouramis.

Water temperature: 74 to 82°F.

pH: 6.0 to 7.5.

Gouramis breathe air, so leave a little space between the water surface and the lid. They do best in planted tanks with gentle filtration, since strong currents stress them.

Diet

Gouramis are omnivores. Feed a quality flake or pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms for color and condition.

Tank Mates

Gouramis are peaceful community fish. Good tank mates include tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and other peaceful bottom dwellers. Avoid fin-nippers, and keep only one male of the larger types per tank to prevent territorial squabbles.

Why Hobbyists Love Gouramis

They're colorful, hardy, and full of personality. Whether you want a honey gourami for a nano tank or a pearl gourami as a centerpiece, there's a gourami for every aquarium.

All our gouramis are tank-raised at our licensed Florida fish farm and shipped with our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Gouramis for Sale

Gourami Care Guide