Tropical Fish: Gouramis

Blue Gourami

Trichogaster trichopterus

Blue Gouramis are one of the names given to the extremely popular Three Spot Gourami. Several subspecies exist, including the Cosby hybrid, Gold, and Silver varieties. Although traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change considerably with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they acquire a much deeper blue hue. The Opaline or Cosby Hybrid variation lacks spots, and instead has darker blue marbling. The traditional three spot gourami sports but two spots - one in the center of the body, and a second at the caudal pentacle (beginning of the tail). The third 'spot' referred to in the name, is actually the eye.

Adults reach up to five inches in length, females usually being slightly larger than the males. The scientific name trichopterus, is derived from the Greek words trichias (hairy) and pteron (wing) - referring to their long hair-like pelvic fins.

Blue Gouramis are among those fish who possess a labryinth organ, which allows them to breath air directly. Other popular labyrinth fish include the Siamese Fighting fish (Betta)

Hailing from the tropical waters of the Far East Blue Gouramis are one of the most hardy of the Gourami family. Their preference is for thickly vegetated waters of any type, and they can be found in ditches, canals, ponds, swamps, rivers, and lakes. They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are not demanding in terms of water conditions. However, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water when in breeding season.

In the home aquarium they may be housed with a variety of fish, although it's usually best to keep them with fish of similar size. Generally only one male should be kept per tank, as males are highly territorial. However if the tank is large enough, or there are enough other fish present, this natural tendency will be diminished.

These are exceptionally easy fish to feed, as they will accept virtually any foods, from flake to freeze-dried, to live foods. They will consume hydra voraciously, and are prized for their ability to eliminate this pest from the home aquarium.

By Shirlie Sharpe

Compatibility: Livebearers, Tetras, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Barbs, Loaches, Plecos, and scavenger Catfish.

Gourami Care:

They should not be kept with large, aggressive fish, but would enjoy the company of other small, peaceful fish as well as fellow gouramis. Loud noises often scare them, so the tank should be in a quiet area.

Traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change significantly with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they obtain a much deeper blue hue.

Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.

Gouramis Related Articles:

Breeding Blue Gouramis: Both sexes display a much deeper blue color during breeding periods. Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.

Kissing gouramis are a peaceful species that should be housed with fishes of similar size and temperament. Males will occasionally fight by "pressing" their mouths together — hence the common name.

Pearl Gourami Accustomed to heavy vegetation in their natural habitat, they will thrive if given similar conditions in the aquarium.

Red Dwarf Gouramis are well suited to smaller aquariums, as well as community aquariums due to their peaceful nature. They should not be kept with very large or aggressive fish. Provide plenty of vegetation, including floating plants that cover part of the surface of the water.