About Gouramis
Gouramis, commonly found in the aquariums of fish enthusiasts, are a medium to large sized fish species that is incredibly diverse. Generally, gouramis can be kept in community aquariums, however, certain gourami types have been known to cause a disturbance and others are far too timid to be kept with many other fish.
Gouramis are native to various regions of Asia, including Pakistan and India. Most gouramis are weak swimmers, meaning they thrive in slow moving waters and can be pushed around by strong currents, which is why they’re generally found in lazy rivers and small, undisruptive bodies of water.
Types of Gourami
Blue Gourami
Blue gouramis are one of the most well-known gouramis species. They are hardy fish that are easy to take care of, but they don’t tolerate the presence of other blue gouramis well – a fact that is especially true when it comes to males. It’s a good idea to keep one male per tank to avoid aggression.
In the wild, blue gouramis have a varied diet consisting of both vegetation and meat , making them good eaters when in captivity. They will eat commercial pellets and flakes, live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods, as well as plants that may be present in their tank. They will also consume vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.
With proper care, this gouramis will grow to be about 4 inches in size and live for up to 5 years.
Blue gouramis should be kept in a tank that is at least 15-20 gallons when they are young. As they age or increase in numbers, their tank should be upscaled.Their tank should have an efficient filtration system but should not disrupt the water too much, as strong currents tend to upset the fish. Their substrate should be fine-medium in size and can be any color.
The tank should have areas for the fish to hide such as a log and a cave, as well as areas that are heavily planted. There should also be areas of the tank that are free of plants, however, because blue gouramis will rise to the surface for oxygen.
Tank mates for the blue gourami include:
- Tetras
- Zebra loach
- Sailfin Molly
- Plecos
- Barbs
- Scavenger catfish
- Rasboras
- Ghost shrimp
Gourami FAQs:
Can the blue gourami be kept alone?
Yes, it can. It’s recommended, however, to keep at least 2 of a species in any tank.
Can I house a blue gourami in a 10 gallon tank?
Young blue gouramis can be successfully kept in a 10 gallon tank. Adults, however, should be moved into a larger tank.
Chocolate Gourami
One of the more difficult gourami types, chocolate gouramis are sensitive to changing water conditions and very timid, making them hard to house with other fish. In addition, they can be hard to get hold of.
In their natural habitat, chocolate gouramis are omnivores, enjoying both plant matter and the occasional meal of meat. In captivity, this species does well when fed an algae-based flake or pellet food, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and freeze-dried bloodworms and brown worms. Frozen or freeze-dried foods are required to prepare the chocolate gourami for breeding.
Chocolate gouramis are relatively small, growing to only 1.75 inches as adults. They live for up to 5 years.
Chocolate gouramis should be kept, as adults, in a 35 gallon tank or larger. Their habitats should be heavily planted with live plants, including some that float. Ideally, the water should be filtered with peat extract and should not cause harsh currents. A sponge filter is the best option.
Tanks should have a tight-fitting lid and when filled, should leave a few inches of space at the top of the tank. This causes humid air to gather at the top of the tank, helping the species to thrive.
Tank mates for the chocolate gouramis include:
- Pygmy cory
- Danionella
- Kuhli loach
FAQ:
Is the chocolate gourami good for beginners?
Not typically. Chocolate gouramis can be hard to keep healthy and looking good as they need certain water conditions and are hyper-sensitive to changes in their water.
Where can I get chocolate gouramis?
Chocolate gouramis can be few and far between, as many pet stores don’t and won’t carry them. The best bet is to check your local pet store and see if they can order some in for you. If not, they can be purchased online- just be sure to buy from a seller who takes the time to properly package the fish for the shipping process.
Dwarf Gourami
The dwarf gourami is one of the smallest gourami species, and does well in community tanks with other small fish. They can also be kept in micro aquariums, and come in a variety of morphs from powder blue to bright red.
Like many species of gouramis, the dwarf gourami is an omnivore, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter in the wild. In aquariums, they can be fed flake food, live and frozen food such as shrimp and bloodworms, plants, and vegetables such as lettuce.
They grow to be around 2 inches in size and live up to 5 years.
Dwarf gourami can be kept in smaller tanks, with the minimum habitat size being 5 gallons. They should be kept in quiet locations and aquariums with peaceful fish. Their tanks should not have strong currents, but should have a good filtration system. The tank should be heavily planted and include floating plants for cover. Some of the tank’s surface should be left wide open so that the dwarf gourami can go to the surface for air.
Tank mates for the dwarf gourami include:
- Swordtails
- Mollies
- Ba
- Plecos
- Danios
- Loaches
FAQ:
Are dwarf gourami aggressive?
No. Unlike larger species, they are incredibly peaceful and rarely cause problems within community tanks.
What color are dwarf gourami?
Dwarf gourami are typically powder blue, red, and turquoise, but as with other fish species, there are modified variations, as well.
Kissing Gourami
Kissing gouramis are known for their odd behavior that appears to have them kissing each other. This behavior, although seemingly innocent, is actually the fish establishing their territorial rights. This species has been known to cause quarrels with fish of other species, so they should be watched closely when in a community aquarium. They are available in green and pink, and do best in tanks with medium-large sized fish.
Kissing gouramis are microphagous filter feeders, meaning that they filter particles from within the water to eat in addition to the food they are fed. In general, flake food is best for this species as it is soft and breaks down easily. Pellets can also be fed as can live and frozen shrimp, Artemis, tubifex, and bloodworms.
These gouramis grow up to 2 inches in length and will live for an average of 5 years.
Kissing gouramis should be kept in a tank of at least 75 gallons to accommodate their large size and tendency to school. Their tanks should be abundant with plant life but have enough space at the surface so that the fish can gulp in oxygen-rich air. The water should be slow moving and warm, but well filtered.
Tank mates for the kissing gourami include:
- Loaches
- Barbs
- Large tetras
- Corries
FAQ:
Do kissing gourami make sounds?
Yes! They grind their teeth together when interacting.
What region of the tank do kissing gouramis live in?
They dwell within the middle and top regions of the tank.
How many kissing gouramis can be kept together?
As juveniles they can be kept in groups, but as they age, it’s better to keep them in pairs.
Moonlight Gourami
Named for their silvery “moonlight” appearance, moonlight gourami are a large species of gourami that also happen to be one of the more timid species. They’re hardy fish and very tolerant of water changes and changing tank conditions.
Moonlight gouramis typically eat insects, algae, invertebrates, and small portions of plant matter. In aquariums, they should be fed a mixture of flake food and small, live foods such as mosquito larvae, bloodworms, blackworms, wingless fruit flies, daphnia, and adult brine shrimp. If live food is not possible, they’ll also eat frozen versions of the foods mentioned above.
They grow to be up to 5 inches in size, and will live 4-5 years in captivity. Some have been reported to live as long as 6 years.
Moonlight gourami should be kept in a large tank, 35-75 gallons or more. They are weak swimmers and require slow moving water with little disruption as to not get blown around the tank. Their tank should be filtered with a non-disruptive filter such as a sponge filter. The tank should be decorated with hardy plants that have thick leaves, as moonlight gourami will nip at weaker plants.
Some tank mates for the moonlight gourami include:
- Angelfish
- Redtail botia
- Corydoras
- Tetras
- Clown loaches
FAQ:
Do moonlight gourami jump?
They can, yes. Their tanks should have a tight fitting lid to prevent this.
Are moonlight gourami territorial?
Not usually. They have been known to chase smaller fish away from food, however.
Pearl Gourami
Pearl gourami have earned the reputation of being the easiest species of gourami to care for. They adapt well to changes in their surroundings, and aren’t picky eaters. They are friendly fish who get along with most other community fish.
They’ll eat nearly anything that comes their way, including both plants and insects. They can be fed live or frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms, pellet and flake food, and vegetables like zucchini that has been chopped into small pieces. When there is no food in their tank, they’ll snack on any live plants that might be within the area.
Pearl gourami grow to be about 4 inches and lives for approximately 8 years.
Pearl gourami need a tank of at least 25 gallons. The tank should be full of plants and have subdued lighting levels. Their tank should have little to no current and be kept relatively warm, with an inch or two of space at the top of the tank. It should be filtered but undisturbed by the filter, making sponge filters the best option.
Tank makes for the pearl gourami include:
- Hatchetfish
- Swordtails
- Guppies
- Danios
- Tetras
- Dwarf cichlids
FAQ:
Are male or female pearl gouramis more aggressive?
The species is generally very peaceful regardless of gender. Males do seem to be more aggressive, though.
How can I tell if my pearl gourami is male or female?
Male pearl gouramis develop a red stripe along their breast. They also have a longer dorsal fin.
Gouramis are unique fish with colors to brighten up even the dullest of aquariums. They have their own distinct personalities and their behaviours vary by species. Despite their differences, most of the species share a few similar traits, including water and tank conditions, as well as suitable tank mates. With the purchase of any of the gourami types mentioned above, you won’t be disappointed.