Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
As a species that thrives in variable water conditions, temperature ranges and tank sizes, gourami fish make hardy aquarium dwellers. Considered a beginner fish, the diverse colors of the different types of gouramis attract new hobbyists and experienced aquarists as well.
Kissing gourami are named for the protruding lips that they occasionally lock with other gourami, giving the appearance of "kissing." The fish are voracious eaters and spend most of their time nibbling on plants, algae, rocks and the slime coating of tank mates. The fish are hardy and can tolerate most water conditions.
Gold gouramis are a color mutation of the three-spot gourami. These fish have, as their name implies, a gold-colored body with some white spots on their fins. Gold gouramis tend to be very hardy fish. They also often have remarkable personalities and can even become responsive to their owner. Gold gouramis can grow rather large, up to 6 inches in length. This striking appearance, combined with their health and temperament, makes them a common choice for many aquarists. Like all fish, though, it is easy to over- or underfeed a gold gourami, which can lead to health problems.
Gourami are freshwater fish that are extremely susceptible to constipation. One cause of constipation is a spleen or intestinal iridovirus. Currently, there is no cure for this virus in fish. Fish owners should not jump to conclusions, however. Less harmful swim bladder conditions and general stomach upset similar to that in humans, can also cause constipation in gourami..
Kissing gouramis inhabit densely vegetated, tropical waters in the Far East, including Thailand, Borneo and Sumatra. These interesting and attractive freshwater fish are omnivores under natural conditions and require a diet based both on plant and animal protein. Kissing gouramis soon become accustomed to the presence of the aquarist and will often accept food from their owner's fingers. This species will feed on aquatic plants, which they will quickly shred and consume, particularly if the gourami is a mature individual.
The beautiful, brilliantly colored dwarf gourami is a hardy, undemanding, easy-care addition to the peaceful community tank. Also known as the dwarf banded gourami, this 2-inch tropical fish is a good choice for the beginning aquarist, particularly if your tank is on the small side. Keep dwarf gouramis with nonaggressive tankmates that aren't larger than they are since they're easily bullied. With good care, you can expect your dwarf gourami to live three or four years.
Gourami are freshwater fish native to Asia. There are several different species of gourami fish, and they are often considered territorial. They are colorful, and some breeds are considered to be peaceful, while others are bred for fighting. Caring for gourami is fairly easy. Gourami fish are a pleasure to have as pets.
Gouramis are a species of pet fish that can thrive even in oxygen-poor environments, as well as a wide variety of water conditions. Optimum conditions for a gourami depend on the species, but ideal temperatures typically range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Gouramis are semiaggressive, but they do well when kept with other fish of similar sizes and when their environment is enriched by plants and places to hide.
The dwarf gourami is a beautiful, freshwater fish. The females are a shiny blue-gray with light yellow vertical stripes, and the males are a vivid orange-red with turquoise vertical stripes. The dwarf gourami is also known as a labyrinth fish, which means it breathes directly from the air. In addition, dwarf gouramis need plenty of plants in the tank, as they are bubble nest builders like betta fish. Dwarf gouramis are omnivores, so they eat a diet of vegetables and meat.
Native to Indonesia, the kissing fish -- also known as the kissing gourami -- is a popular fish for salt water aquariums due to their unusual and charming habit of "kissing" one another. This kissing is believed to be a sign of strength or a way of testing an opponent. They are exceptionally hearty fish that grow to an average length of 5 inches to 6 inches. They have a hearty appetite and require a large fish tank. Although there is no way to make them kiss, you can provide them with the environment that will encourage the behavior.
Fish fry of any tropical species are very small. They need specialized foods as soon as they are able to swim and eat freely on their own. For gourami, this means after about three days, the egg sac will be absorbed and they will need specialized foods. These foods are easily made at home.
The opaline gourami, also called the marbled gourami, is native to the Mekong basin and Yunnan in Southeast Asia. Its native habitat includes marshes, swamps, wetlands and canals. It is a hardy aquarium fish with a silver blue body and dark blue markings on the side. It breathes directly from the air, taking sips at the top of the aquarium. There are several observable differences between the male and female.
Gouramis are closely related to bettas, and many species share the bettas' habit of building bubble nests. The bubble nest serves as a home for the eggs and developing fry, and after the nest is built and the eggs are laid, the male guards it fiercely from any intruders. Watch for bubble spitting behavior, and mats of bubbles in the corners of the aquarium.
Pearl gouramis are large "labyrinth fishes" --- named for a specialized breathing organ --- native to swamps and backwaters of Southeast Asia. Often growing to 3 or 4 inches in length, these are some of the larger gouramis regularly kept in aquariums, but their size belies a relatively docile disposition; they are compatible with many other types of fishes, as long as they are not bullied or harassed by more aggressive tank-mates. Defined by unique color and the labyrinth-fish form, adult pearl gouramis can reveal their gender through both physical and behavioral clues. Immature gouramis may have not yet developed…
Gouramis are a medium-sized freshwater fish commonly kept in home aquariums. They come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to care for. Gouramis do not get pregnant in the traditional sense, as they are egg layers that reproduce through external means. However, female gouramis do become what's known as "gravid," whereas they swell with eggs and can potentially be bred given the right conditions. There are several steps you can take toward figuring out whether or not your female gourami is gravid.
Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) are freshwater fish that can grow up to 12 inches in length, but they usually grow to only five or six inches in an aquarium. Kissing gourami are either grayish-green or pink. The kissing gourami is famous for its lips, which pucker and protrude from its head so that the fish looks as if it's preparing to kiss. The males will actually use their lips for fighting; they'll lock lips and push against each other until the weaker one surrenders. Breeding kissing gourami successfully can be a challenge, but you can get your gourami to multiply…
Pearl gouramis (trichogaster leeri) are labyrinth fish that grow to 4 inches in length. They are one of the most easygoing fish kept in the community aquarium and can be shy with aggressive species. Labyrinth fish breathe atmospheric air, so they frequently swim in the upper third of the tank and make frequent trips to the waterline to gulp air. This is natural for them and an interesting behavior to watch. When pearl gouramis breed, the male makes a nest of bubbles to protect the floating eggs. This is a rare treat for the aquarist to observe.
Gouramis are labyrinth fish that can supplement their oxygen by breathing atmospheric air. This makes them easy to keep in an aquarium because they aren't finicky about their water conditions.
There are about 12 species and several colors of gourami that are typically kept as pets. Gourami care may vary by species, but most have essentially the same care needs. Gourami are undemanding and accept most freeze dried, frozen and live foods, including fish flakes. Gourami are suited to live in community fish tanks. Here is how to take care of various types of gourami.
