Gourami fish are known for their bright colors, exotic patterns, and unique breeding behaviors. With over 130 species spread across 15 genera, gouramis are a popular pick for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts, particularly for community tanks.
If you’re looking for the perfect addition to a mature aquarium or brainstorming ideas for an entirely new tank, here are five species of gourami fish we think you should consider.
1. Sparkling Gourami
Species Snapshot
· Scientific Name: Trichopsis pumila
· Other Names: pygmy gourami
· Size: Up to 1.5 inches
· Lifespan: Up to 5 years
· Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Also known as the pygmy gourami, sparkling gouramis are some of the smallest gouramis. They’re very peaceful by nature but can be more active than other species, making them appropriate for community tanks stocked with active fish of similar size. Sparkling gouramis grow to a maximum length under 2 inches and can be kept with several of the same species in a 15-gallon tank or larger.
The sparkling gourami gets its name from its unique appearance. These fish are similar in body shape to the betta fish; however, their fins are much less extravagant. Sparkling gouramis are brown in color but, in the right light, their scales sparkle with iridescent hues of blue, green, and even red.
2. Dwarf Gourami
Species Snapshot
· Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
· Other Names: powder blue gourami, red flame gourami
· Size: 2-3 inches
· Lifespan: 4-6 years
· Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Though larger than the sparkling gourami, the dwarf gourami is another popular pick for smaller aquariums. This species grows 2-3 inches long at maturity and exhibits a natural blue coloration. Males dwarf gouramis are more brightly colored than females and may show striking red stripes during the breeding season.
Not only are dwarf gouramis brightly colored and mild-mannered, but they exhibit a unique behavior similar to archerfish. Dwarf gouramis are able to hunt insect prey from above the water’s surface by shooting a stream of water from the mouth. Like betta fish, males build bubble nests to prepare for spawning but, unlike bettas, will add small bits of plants and other debris they find around the tank.
3. Pearl Gourami
Species Snapshot
· Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
· Other Names: lace gourami, mosaic gourami
· Size: 4-5 inches
· Lifespan: up to 8 years
· Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons
Growing up to 5 inches in length, the pearl gourami is larger than our first two picks but is equally appropriate for freshwater community tanks. Pearl gouramis are named for the white spots or “pearls” covering their body in striking contrast to their light brown color. During breeding season, male pearl gouramis may develop a deep red-orange color on the underside of their bodies.
Because pearl gouramis are a larger species, they are best kept in bigger aquariums. A single pearl gourami fish can be added to a 29-gallon community tank with several smaller fish, but a group of pearl gouramis requires at least a 55-gallon tank.
4. Blue Gourami
Species Snapshot
· Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
· Other Names: three spot gourami, opaline gourami
· Size: 4-6 inches
· Lifespan: 5 years
· Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
One of the hardiest gourami fish species, blue gouramis are a color variant of the three spot gourami. They exhibit a silvery blue coloration and two dark spots—one in the middle of the body and another at the base of the tail. Blue gouramis have been known to change color according to their mood with their most vibrant coloration appearing during spawning.
The blue gourami is a little more aggressive than other gourami species and are best kept with fish of similar size. Avoid keeping blue gouramis with dwarf gouramis due to the potential for aggression linked to similar coloration. This species is adaptable to a wide range of conditions but will appreciate a clean, well-maintained tank.
5. Honey Gourami
Species Snapshot
· Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
· Other Names: red honey gourami, sunset gourami
· Size: 2 inches
· Lifespan: 6-8 years
· Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Named for their warm gold to orange coloration, honey gouramis are one of the smaller species of gourami. These fish can be kept singly in tanks as small as 29 gallons in volume, though larger tanks are recommended if you plan to keep a group. Males in particular can be aggressive toward one another without sufficient tank space to establish territory.
Aside from territorial tendencies in males, honey gouramis are fairly shy. They prefer planted tanks that provide plenty of cover as well as docile, non-fin nipping tankmates. It’s best to avoid keeping honey gouramis with other gouramis as well, unless you have experience with the temperaments of different species.
Whether you’re adding stock to a thriving community tank or starting fresh, gouramis are some of the most popular picks among freshwater aquarists. The species above are highly valued for their unique appearances, adaptability, or good-natured temperaments.
Ready to add one of these beautiful gourami species to your tank? Contact us at Shrimpy Business today for all your aquarium essentials!