Gourami Care Guides

Honey Gouramis, Dwarf Gouramis, Three-spot Gouramis, Pearl Gouramis, Kissing Gouramis, and Paradise fish have different adult sizes and temperaments. A similar trade name does not mean identical care.

General Care

Gouramis and Paradise fish use a labyrinth organ to breathe air. Keep the surface accessible, leave an air space under a fitted lid, and use plants or other cover with gentle water movement. Air breathing does not replace filtration and good water quality. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Watch for territorial behavior, especially between males and during nesting. Separate a bullied fish promptly.

Tank sizes below are planning recommendations for adult care. Aquarium footprint, group size, filtration, and individual behavior can require more space. Use stable conditions within the listed range; avoid sudden changes.

Species and Variety Guides

Honey, Dwarf Honey, Sunset, and Sunset Honey Gouramis

  • Scientific name / group: Trichogaster chuna — including sunset strains
  • Adult size: about 2 inches
  • Temperature: 74–80°F
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Water hardness: soft to moderate
  • Aquarium: 20 gallons for a small group; smaller species setups require careful stocking
  • Temperament: Peaceful; males defend nest areas

Aquarium setup: Use dense planting, surface cover, and gentle flow; keep the surface accessible.

Feeding: Micro-pellets, fine flakes, and tiny frozen or live invertebrates.

Tank mates: Choose gentle small fish; avoid nippers, predators, and overly competitive feeders.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. Use a quiet separate tank and separate the female if the guarding male harasses her.

Listed fish / animals: Dwarf Honey Gourami · Sunset Gourami · Sunset Honey Gourami – Live Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Dwarf Gourami

  • Scientific name / group: Trichogaster lalius
  • Adult size: about 3–3.5 inches
  • Temperature: 74–80°F
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Water hardness: soft to moderate
  • Aquarium: 20 gallons or larger
  • Temperament: Males can be territorial

Aquarium setup: Provide plants and sightline breaks; a single male is simpler than several males.

Feeding: Small pellets, flakes, and suitable frozen foods.

Tank mates: Keep with peaceful companions; monitor male aggression and quarantine new arrivals.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. A dedicated spawning setup and separation options protect the female and fry.

Listed fish / animals: Dwarf Gourami

Blue, Gold, and Opaline Gouramis

  • Scientific name / group: Trichopodus trichopterus — color varieties
  • Adult size: about 5–6 inches
  • Temperature: 76–82°F
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • Water hardness: soft to hard
  • Aquarium: 40 gallons or larger; at least 36 inches long
  • Temperament: Can become territorial or aggressive

Aquarium setup: Provide planted retreats and ample surface access.

Feeding: Quality flakes or pellets with suitable frozen invertebrates.

Tank mates: Choose robust peaceful companions. Do not assume a calm juvenile will remain calm as an adult.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. Guarding males can attack females; use a separate breeding setup.

Listed fish / animals: Blue Gourami · Gold Gourami · Opaline Gourami

Pearl Gourami

  • Scientific name / group: Trichopodus leerii
  • Adult size: about 4–5 inches
  • Temperature: 76–82°F
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Water hardness: soft to moderate
  • Aquarium: 40 gallons or larger
  • Temperament: Usually peaceful; territorial near a nest

Aquarium setup: Provide tall plants, shaded areas, and gentle surface movement.

Feeding: Small pellets, flakes, and varied frozen foods.

Tank mates: Gentle community fish are better than nippers or assertive Three-spot Gouramis.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. Protect the female from a guarding male and rear tiny fry separately.

Listed fish / animals: Pearl Gourami

Pink Kissing Gourami

  • Scientific name / group: Helostoma temminkii — pink variety
  • Adult size: can reach 10 inches or more
  • Temperature: 76–82°F
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • Water hardness: soft to moderate
  • Aquarium: 125 gallons or larger for long-term adult care
  • Temperament: Can be territorial and pushy

Aquarium setup: Provide a large swimming area, grazing surfaces, and effective filtration.

Feeding: Foods with plant and algal content plus suitable small aquatic foods.

Tank mates: Use robust companions in ample space. The kissing display can be dominance behavior.

Breeding: An egg-scattering breeder rather than a bubble-nest guardian; protect eggs from adults.

Listed fish / animals: Pink Kissing Gourami

Blue, Super Red, and Albino Paradise Fish

  • Scientific name / group: Macropodus opercularis — color varieties
  • Adult size: about 3–4 inches
  • Temperature: 68–72°F for routine cooler-water care
  • pH: 6.0–8.0
  • Water hardness: moderate
  • Aquarium: 30 gallons or larger; about 36 inches long
  • Temperament: Males are territorial; not a universal community fish

Aquarium setup: Provide cover and a secure lid. Avoid a permanently hot tropical setup.

Feeding: Quality flakes or small pellets plus suitable aquatic frozen foods.

Tank mates: Avoid keeping males together in confined space and avoid tiny, slow, or long-finned companions.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. Use a separate tank and a refuge or separation plan for the female.

Listed fish / animals: Super Red Paradise Gourami · Albino Paradise Gourami · Blue Paradise Gourami

Lavender Gourami — Three-spot Variety

  • Scientific name / group: Trichopodus trichopterus — Lavender trade variety
  • Adult size: Up to 6 inches
  • Temperature: 76–80°F
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Water hardness: moderate
  • Aquarium: 40 gallons or larger; provide more space for multiple gouramis
  • Temperament: Can be territorial, especially mature males

Aquarium setup: Use a covered planted tank with surface access and retreat areas. Provide plants and visual barriers; monitor aggression between gouramis.

Feeding: Small quality pellets or flakes with suitable frozen foods.

Tank mates: Use robust peaceful companions and monitor aggression; avoid fin-nippers.

Breeding: Bubble-nest breeder. Use a separate breeding setup; guarding males may harass females, so provide a separation plan.

Listed fish / animals: Lavender Gourami

Species references and further reading

Ordering & Shipping

Orders must be placed by Sunday night to ship Monday. Check the individual product listing for available sizes, quantities, and shipping and live-arrival terms.

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